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PRESENTED HY 














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t 


The following letter from Major-General Rawlins, Chief of Staff to General 
Grant, shows the authentic and official character of the work: 

Headquarters Armies of the United States, 
Washington, August 8tli, 18G5. 

Prof. Henry Coppee : 

Sir,—With the especial approval of General Grant, I have the pleasure of 
sending you, herewith, such material as will be of service to you in the prep¬ 
aration of your History of “ Grant and his Campaigns,” and shall be happy to 
give you, at any time, any assistance in my power in securing accuracy and 
completeness in your work. 

I am, Sir, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

JNO. A. RAWLINS, 

Brevet Major-General and Chief of Staff. 



The following extracts from the Prefatory Letter from the Author, 
fully explain the character and scope of the work: 

% 

University of Pennsylvania, 

Philadelphia, July 1,1865. 

My dear Sir, —It is with peculiar pleasure that I have undertaken to write 
the military biography of General Grant, because, having known him 
from boyhood, I have watched the successive steps and symmetrical develop¬ 
ment of his character, and find in his complete and rounded life not a single 
point which will require me to trim my pen for the purposes of champion¬ 
ship, extenuation, or palliation. We were cadets together, and I now see 
how the cadet of 1840 exhibited qualities, not then very striking indeed, but 
which only needed fostering and opportunity to make him the generalissimo 
of 1865. The task is therefore divested of the chief difficulty which usually 
besets the biographer. It is, to tell a plain story, not to make out a case. * * 

I have great pride in knowing that I undertake the work not only with 
General Grant’s sanction, but with his exclusive promise of every assistance. 
He has directed material and maps to be put in my hands, which cannot 
otherwise be obtained, and he and the gentlemen of his staff have offered to 
answer all questions, and supply all I shall need to make the work a faithful 
historic record. He desires nothing more than this. * 

The plan of my biography will exhibit a clear chronological history of 
General Grant’s campaigns, illustrated by maps and diagrams furnished and, 
in some cases, suggested by the General; an occasional critical summary at 
the close of a campaign, connecting its prominent events, and presenting its 
military sequence; and an appendix, containing the most important dis¬ 
patches referred to in the text. Such truthful anecdotes as I can gather, 
really illustrative of his character, I shall take great pleasure in inserting; I 
shall, however, make none for the purpose. In the course of the narrative I 
shall try my pen at sketches of the distinguished commanders wdio have exe¬ 
cuted Grant’s plans. Many of them are old comrades and friends, and I can 
therefore speak from personal knowledge, without having recourse to loose 
fancies of rapid writers, who put themselves, but not their heroes, in print. 

I think I may safely promise the public that although the work might have 
been better done by other hands, they will find, in this volume, the truth care¬ 
fully sifted from the great mass of materials, systematically digested, scien¬ 
tifically presented in a military point of view, and uninfluenced by prejudice 
of any kind whatever— 

“ The story of his life; 

From year to year the battles, sieges, fortunes 
That he had passed,” 

which interlink in iron chain-work the peaceful youth with the stormy, suc¬ 
cessful, illustrious manhood of our “ great captain.” 

Wishing for our joint project many readers, and a success worthy its 
subject, 

I am, very sincerely, yours, 

H. COPPEE. 

C. B. Richardson, Esq., Publisher, N. Y. 




































- 














































































LIFE AND SERVICES 


OF 

0 

GEN. U. S. GRANT 


HENRY COPPfiE 

'V 



NEW YORK 

RICHARDSON AND COMPANY 

4 BOND STREET 

1868 







V 


Elu* 


C.n^.2 


A 


♦ 


Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, 

By CHARLES B. RICHARDSON, 

In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the 
Southern District of New York. 


Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, 

By RICHARDSON AND COMPANY, 

In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the 
Southern District of New York. 




PREFACE. 


-- 

The following Military Biography of Lieutenant-General Grant 
is intended to offer but an outline of the great events in which he 
has borne the most distinguished part. As he held an independent 
command of troops in the field, from the beginning of the war— 
the movement upon Corinth only excepted—I have endeavored to 
present his plans, their execution, and the results, without entering 
into the minute details of the battle tactics ; giving only so much 
of these as is necessary to enable the reader to understand the 
general’s purposes and achievements. 

In writing the life of a subordinate commander, we should gain 
in detail, but lose in comprehension,—dwelling more upon what he 
did, than upon the relations sustained to other men and movements 
on the field ; but it is different here. Grant’s life requires a glance 
at every part of the field of Pittsburg Landing ; the great outline 
of the Vicksburg campaign ; a summary of the splendid military 
successes at Chattanooga. After his appointment as commander-in¬ 
chief, all parts of the vast theatre of operations must be considered ; 
while, as he made his headquarters with the Army of the Potomac ; 
and personally directed it, more stress must be laid upon the move¬ 
ments of that army than upon others. 

I have said thus much by way of self-vindication, should any 
reader—especially some gallant soldier—fail to find as many battle 
pictures, and as much of the movements of the lesser organizations, 
as he had expected. I could not neglect the philosophy of Grant’s 
nistory, and there was not space for both. 

In describing his earlier campaigns, I have had recourse to much 
fuller material than in the latter portions. The reports of many 
subordinate commanders, Union and Confederate, have been pub- 




4 


PREFACE. 


lished, and there are even critical commentaries upon these, which 
guard the historian against error. But in the latter parts, there is 
yet great dearth of detail. I have been obliged to depend, for the 
connected outline, upon the masterly—I may say, model—report of 
General Grant; and for details to sucn materials as had'been re¬ 
ceived, not even including extended reports of the corps-commanders. 

It is not improbable, therefore, that, for want of such correctivo 
matter in the details, I may have made occasional mistakes, in 
spite of my best efforts to avoid doing so. 

When such errors arc pointed out, they shall be corrected. 

I must express my hearty thanks to General Grant for his kind¬ 
ness in sanctioning my attempt to portray his military career, and 
to Major-General Rawlins for his invaluable assistance in furnish¬ 
ing materials without which the work could not have been written. 
Most of this material could not have been otherwise obtained. For 
its use, and the form in which it is presented, I alone am re¬ 
sponsible. 

To my friend, Captain Thomas Mitchell, of Philadelphia, late a 
staff-officer in the Army of the Potomac, I am indebted for valuable 
assistance in collecting notes, and in transcribing some of the 
earlier portions of the work. 

I shall be amply paid for my labors, which have been arduous, 
if my simple narrative shall prove to the world the truth of the 
opinion, already very widely entertained, that Grant is the first 
soldier of the age, and the most distinguished American of the 
Regenerated Republic. 


H. C. 


C ONTEN T S. 


CHAPTER I. 

THE GREAT WAR OPENS. 

Ruffin’s cannon.—Fort Sumter.—The effect on the masses.—The Nation must 
be saved.—The attitude of the rebels.— Our own duty clear.—The rush to 
arms.— Our ignorance of war.—The want of every thing.—The education 

NEEDED AND EVENTUALLY OBTAINED.—GRANT AN APT SCHOLAR. 13 


CHAPTER II. 

CHILDHOOD AND CADET LIFE. 

Grant’s lineage.—The new scnooL of biography.— His parentage and birth¬ 
place.— His name.—Stories of his youth.—Limited education.—Appointment 
to the Military Academy.— His scholarship.—Classmates.—Recollections of 

HIM WHILE A CADET.—The GERMS OF CHARACTER.—He GRADUATES. 18 


CHAPTER III: 

ARMY LIFE AND RETIREMENT FROM SERVICE. 

Brevet second-lieutenant Fourth Infantry.—Goes to Corpus Christi.— At 
Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma.—At Monterey.— At Vera Cruz.—Regi¬ 
mental QUARTERMASTER.—FlGHTS AT MoLINO AND CHAPULTEPEu.—MENTIONED IN 
REPORTS AND BREVETTED CAPTAIN.— At CLOSE OF WAR SENT TO THE NeRTHEItN 

frontier.—Marries.—Off to Oregon.—Hard work.—Leather-dealer. 24 


CHAPTER IY. 

BELMONT. 

Effect of the news on Grant.— A Democrat before the war.— An unqualified 
war-man now.—Raises a company.—Does good service as mustering officer.— 
Colonel of the Twenty-first Illinois.—Marches.—Acting brigadier at Cairo. 
_The value of Cairo.—The rebel strategy.—Expedition to Belmont.—Fre¬ 
mont’s orders.—Polk at Columbus.—The battle.—Success.—Enemy re-en¬ 
forced.—Grant withdraws.— Comments. 28 







6 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTEE Y. 

FORT HENRY. 

Ialleck’s Department of Missouri.—Grant’s reconnoissanoe into Kentucky. 
-—Its value.—Map of field of operations.—Columbus, the Gibraltar of 
America.—Rebel line.—Forts Henry and Donelson.—Foote's flotilla.— 
C. F. Smith and Phelps reconnoitre Fort Henry.—Grant receives permis¬ 
sion TO ATTACK.—The FORT DESCRIBED.—LlOYD TlLGHMAN IN COMMAND.— 

Grant’s orders of march and battle. — The naval attack. —TnE surrender. 
—Comments on rebel defeat.—On to Donelson.—Tribute to Commodore 
Foote.. 35 


CHAPTEE VI. 

FORT DONELSON. 

Reorganization.—Order of march.—MoClernand and Smith move.— A glance 

AT THE FORT.—RlVER-FRONT.—LAND APPROACHES.—GARRISON AND COMMANDERS.— 

Assault upon the trenches.—Unsuccessful.—Storm and cold.—Re-enforce- 

MENTS UNDER L. WALLACE. — THE ATTACK OF THE GUNBOATS. — TERRIBLE CANNON¬ 
ADE.—Foote withdraws.—Value of iiis attack.—Rebel counter-plans.— Our 

RIGHT ATTACKED AND ROLLED BACK.—Grant’s CONSUMMATE PLAN.— L. WALLACE 
MOVES. 48 


CHAPTEE VII. 

GENERAL SMITH’S ATTACK AND THE SURRENDER. 

Smith’s columns organized.—Lauman the forlorn hope.—Smith leads.— Ad¬ 
dresses his men.—The lines move.—Smith’s splendid valor decisive.—Floyd’s 
new council.— He turns over the command.—Pillow looks at the cards, and 
“ passes.”—The pusillanimous flight.—Buckner' surrenders.—The corre¬ 
spondence.—Grand results. — Comments. — Eulogy of General C. F. Smith, 63 


CHAPTER VIII. 

PREPARATIONS FOR A NEW ADVANCE. 

Grant’s enlarged command.—General Buell co-operates wrrn Halleck.—Ad¬ 
ministration.—Discipline, justice, humanity.—Nashville falls.—Surprise of 
the people.— A. S. Johnston retires to Murfreesboro’.—The ascent of tub 
Tennessee.—Corinth threatened.—Island No. 10—Seals the river.—Thb 

POSITION DESCRIBED.—POPE TAKES New MADRID.—GENERAL MaCKALL AND THE 

American Thermopylae.—Schuyler Hamilton’s canal.—The capture and 
rout.. 74 





CONTENTS. 


7 


CHAPTER IX. 

grant’s new campaign. 

Pittsburg Landing.—The landing.—Grant’s dispositions.—The rebel advance.— 
Johnston’s proclamation.—The attack on Prentiss—On Sherman, Hurlbut, 
McClernand, and Wallace.—The situation at ten o’clock.—Rebel losses.— 
The gunboats.—Webster’s artillery.—Surgeon Cornyn.—The final attack 
on Sunday.—Lewis Wallace arrives.—II is delay.—Monday morning.—Buell 
on the field.—Battle on the left— On the right.—Beauregard retires.— 
Comments. 82 


CHAPTER X. 

THE SIEGE OF CORINTH. 

Corinth described.—Sherman’s reconnoissance.—The 'arrival of Halleck.— 
Pope’s army comes up.—Beauregard’s order.—II is force—Ours.—Pope 
takes Farmington.—The battle of Farmington.—Eleiot’s raid.—Corinth 

EVACUATED.—The OCCUPATION AND PURSUIT.—Co-OPERATING MOVEMENTS.—• 

Mitchel’s march.—The navy.—Fight at Memphis.—New efforts of the 
ENEMY. . 100 


CHAPTER XI. 

IUKA AND CORINTH. 

After a brief halt, forward.—Administration.—Iuka.—Price marches up.— 
Grant’s sagacity.—The battle.—Rosecrans and Ord.—Difficult ground.— 
Price retreats southward.—Corinth.—The fortifications.—Price’s attack 
—Van Dorn’s.—The bloody repulse.—Ord and Hurlbut in flank and rear. 
—“ How DOES IT ALL SUM UP ?”—SKETCHES OF COMMANDERS. 117 


CHAPTER XII. 

THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE. 

The extent of Grant’s command.—Districts.—Retrospect.—Williams’ canal.— 
Farragut’s fleet.—The Arkansas destroyed.—Grant moves.—Pemberton in 

COMMAND OF THE REBEL ARMY.—GRANT’S ARMY AND STAFF.—TRADE.—TlIE VALUE 

of Vicksburg.—Port Hudson.—The Tallahatchie.—Hovey’s movement.— 
The prospect bright.—Murphy’s surrender.—Sherman’s expedition to Vicks¬ 
burg.—Unsuccessful.—Arkansas Post.—Army corps.—Emancipation procla¬ 
mation, AND COLORED TROOPS. 184 


CHAPTER XIII. 

THE NEW MOVEMENT TOWARDS VICKSBURG. 

Routes proposed.—Williams’ canal.—Why it failed.—Milliken’s Bend.—Lake 
Providence.—The Yazoo Pass.—Steele’s Bayou.—Porter’s energy.—Tan¬ 
gled country.—What next?— To New Carthage, and beyond.—Passing 

THE BATTERIES.—FlRST BOATS.—SHEETS OF FIRE.—SECOND LOT.—HARD TlMES.— 

Across to Bruinsburg.—Battle of Port Gibson.—Enemy routed. 153 







8 


CONTENTS. 


*st 

V 


CHAPTER XIV. 

VICKSBURG : THE BATTLES, ASSAULTS, AND SIEGE. 

Fortune smiles.—Defences of Vicksburg.—Grand Gulf ours.—Sherman’s feint 
on Haines’ Bluff.—Grant’s grand tactics.—Battle of Raymond.—Battle 
of Jackson.—Johnston driven out.—Where is Pemberton?—At Champion’s 
Hill.—Battle there.—Enemy demoralized.—Battle of the Big Black.— 
Investment.—Fleet co-operates.— Two assaults.—Both fail. 164 


CHAPTER XV. 

VICKSBURG BESIEGED. 

Re-enforcements.—The complete investment.—The condition of Vicksburg. 
—The first mine.—The explosion.—Effects.— We gain a lodgment.— 
The cannonade.—The second mine.—Preparations for final assault.— 
Pemberton’s change of opinion.—Further delay useless.— Is ready to sur¬ 
render... 180 

\ 

CHAPTER XVI. 

VICKSBURG FALLS.—“ UNVEXED TO THE SEA.” 

Flag of truce.—Pemberton’s request.—The interview.—Terms described.— 
Correspondence.—Terms accepted.—Vicksburg surrenders.—Fourth of July. 
—Rebellion cut in two.—Only needs shaking, to fall apart.—Grant’s tri¬ 
umphal entry.—The Mississippi “ unvexed to the sea.”—Comments.186 


CHAPTER XVII. 

FINISHING TOUCHES: CLEARING THE WRECK. 

Effect of the news.—President’s letter to Grant.—Port Hudson waits the 
fall of Vicksburg—Surrenders.—Correspondence and conditions.—Sher¬ 
man MOVES AGAINST JOHNSTON.—JOHNSTON HOLDS JACKSON.— HlS ORDER.— He 

decamps..*. 194 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION. 

Expeditions in all directions.—The haul at Natchez.—Extra military ques¬ 
tions.—The subject of trade.—Tariff of prices on the Mississippi.—Honors 
at Memphis.—Review at New Orleans.—Sad accident, and its results.— 
Partial recovery.—Boards of honor.—Comments. 203 







CONTENTS. 


9 


CHAPTER XIX. 

THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI—THE DEPARTMENT OF 

THE CUMBERLAND. 

CHICKAMAUGA.— A GLANCE AT THE TOPOGRAPHY.—The NEW COMMAND.—The ARMY 
CONCENTRATES. — At CHATTANOOGA.— A FINE CHANCE OF STARVING.—Smith’s 
STRATAGEM. — HOOKER ADVANCES.—BrAGG’s FATAL ERROR.—SHERMAN MOVES.— 
Eeconnoissances AND PLANS. 210 


CHAPTER XX. 

THE GRAND MOVEMENT BEGUN. 

Sherman marches.—Thomas’s advance.—Sherman crosses and takes position.— 
Hooker co-operates-.—All ready along the line.—The Confederates.— 
Waiting for Hooker.—Storm&g of the ridge.—Hooker attacks.—The 
fight ended and pursuit begun.—Pursuit discontinued.—Comments. 224 


CHAPTER XXI. 

BURNSIDE AT KNOXVILLE. 

HlS ENTRANCE INTO KNOXVILLE-FORTIFIES THE TOWN—ADVANCES TO LURE LoNG- 

STREET ON.—LoNGSTREET INVESTS AND ATTACKS—REPULSED.—Re-ENFORCEMENTS 

from Grant.—Sherman comes up.—Grant’s order.—Summary of losses. . 243 


CHAPTER XXII. 

GREAT JOY IN THE LAND. 

The President’s proclamation.—Public honors.—The gold medal.— A lieu¬ 
tenant-general proposed. —Societies.— Namesakes. —New labors.—Visits 
Cumberland Gap.—At Nashville.— To Chattanooga.—Visits St. Louis.— 
The banquet.—Thanks of the city. 248 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

ELSEWHERE IN THE FIELD. 

The Mississippi.—Banks.—Steele.—Rosecrans.—Our force compared with the 
rebels.—Sherman’s expedition to Meridian.—Thomas moves upon Dalton. 
—Seymour at Olustee.—One head needed.— No political aspirations.. 255 


CHAPTER XXIV. 

THE LIEUTENANT-GENERAL—RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT. 

Grant Lieutenant-General..—Arrives at Washington.—Recognized at Wil¬ 
lard’s.—Commission presented.—President’s address.—Grant’s reply.—Re¬ 
vival OF THE GRADE. — WASHINGTON, SCOTT, AND GRANT.—l'HE NEW LAW.—■ 

1 * 






10 


CONTENTS. 


Grant’s personal appearance.—The honor unsolicited.—The country needs 
him.—Wiiat he had done to earn it.—Prospect of responsibility and danger. 
—Will he succeed ?—Unrivalled glory. 258 


CHAPTER XXY. 

THE CONDUCT OF THE WAE. 

Grant’s convictions.—Evils to be remedied.—The new plan.—The great the¬ 
atre— How occupied.—The rebel armies.—Lee and Johnston.—Our opposing 
armies.—Banks in Virginia.—Directions to General Butler.—Sigel’s in¬ 
structions.... 267 


CHAPTER XXVI. 

PREPARATIONS FOR THE FINAL CAMPAIGN. 

Grant’s announcement to the armies.—At Washington.—The Army of the 
Potomac.—General Meade.—The army reorganized.—Fifth Corps—Second 
—Sixth.—The Ninth Corps.—The character of the army.—Grant’s staff. 
—Meade’s chief, and adjutant-general. 277 


CHAPTER XXVII. 

THE CROSSING OF THE RUBICON. 

All ready.—Grant makes final preparations.—The position of thk army.— 
Lee’s position.—The roads.—The Wilderness.—Meade’s order.—The corps 
move.—Plans and counterplans.—The rebels come up in column.—Ewell 
ON OUR RIGHT, by THE TURNPIKE... 285 


CHAPTER XXVIII. 

THE BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. 

Orders to Warren and Sedgwick.—The battle-field.—Hancock to the rescue. 
—-General attack on the 6th.—Hancock’s encounter.—Second rebel as¬ 
sault.—Gordon flanks our right.—Grant on the field.—Comments.— Losses. 
—Drawn battle... 293 


CHAPTER XXIX. 

ON TO RICHMOND. 

Suspense at the North.—Lee’s retreat.—Sedgwick killed.—Wright to Sixth 
Corps.—Attack on Spottsylvania.—Hancock’s feat of arms.—The after-bat¬ 
tle.—Our losses up to the 12th.—Who retreats, Grant or Lee?—The 
LAND AHEAD.— A NEW FLANKING MOVEMENT.. 304 








CONTENTS. 


11 


CHAPTER XXX. 

CO-OPERATING MOVEMENTS. 

Sheridan’s raid.—The battle of Yellow Tavern.—J. E. B. Stuart killed.— 
The raiders reach the James.—Fortunes of Sigel.—Defeated by Breckin¬ 
ridge.—Butler’s movements.— His dispatch.—Beauregard’s attack.—Her¬ 
metically SEALED.—KaUTz’s RAID.—STANTON’S DISPATCH.—BuTLEr’s FAILURE.— 
How THE WANT OF CO-OPERATION AFFECTED GRANT. 320 


CHAPTER XXXI. 

FROM SPOTTSYLVANIA TO THE CHICKAHOMINY. 

The corps move.—Re-enforcements.—Losses from May 12 to 21.— On the North 
Anna.—Withdrawn. — Sheridan’s return.—Crossing of the Pamunkey.— 
Change of base.—Sheridan holds Cold Harbor.—Losses from May 21 to 
31. —W. F. Smith detached from Butler.—The battles of Cold Harbor. 
—The crossing of the Chickahominy. 330 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

SOUTH OF THE JAMES. 

The crossing of the James.—Petersburg.—Gillmore retires.—Kautz attacks.— 
Smith’s new assault.—The corps come up rapidly.—Butler moves forward. 
—The new assault on the city—Not successful.—Sheridan’s expedition.— 
New movement of the army.—Against the Weldon road.—Deep Bottom.— 
Wilson’s raid.—Temporary rest. 346 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 

Hunter’s instructions.—He beats the enemy.— W. E. Jones killed.—Advance 
to Lynchburg.—Retreats to the Kanawha.—What he accomplished.—In 

WHAT HE FAILED.—THE ROUTE HE SHOULD HAVE TAKEN. 861 


CHAPTER XXXIY. 

THE MINE AT PETERSBURG. 

Grant’s diversion.—The story of the mine.—Its position.—Lieutenant-Colonel 
Pleasants.—Description.—Excavated under difficulties.—Meade’s order.— 
The fuse lighted.—Fails.—Gallant men relight it.—The delay.—The 

STORMERS MOVE.—LeDLIE, WlLLCOX, AND POTTER.—FeRRERO.—The CRATER.— 

The Court of Inquiry. 364 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

THE REBEL ADVANCE ON WASHINGTON. 

Early moves down the Valley.—Grant sends up the Sixth and Nineteenth- 
—Wallace moves.—I s defeated, but detains Early.—Destruction.—Wright 

IN COMMAND.—EARLY RETREATS.—TlIE SHENANDOAH VALLEY.—GRANT VISITS 

Hunter.—Sheridan—Let loose.—Winchester.. 374 








12 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER XXXYI. 

AROUND PETERSBURG. 

Adjustment of works.—Movement north of the James.— To the Weldon road. 
—The cattle raid.—Movement on both flanks.—The westward movement. 
—Butler moves.—The Army of the Potomac in motion.—The Dutch Gap 
Canal.—Gregg at Stoney Creek.—Comparative rest. 388 


CHAPTER XXXYII. 

OTHER PARTS OF THE GREAT THEATRE. 

Sherman.—Hood moves into Tennessee.—General Thomas.—General Hood.— 
Mobile.—Price invades Missouri.— To Wytheville and Saltville. 401 


CHAPTER XXXYIII. 

FORT FISHER. 

The troops laijd.—The bombardment and assault.—Comments.—Wilmington 
FALLS. 408 


CHAPTER XXXIX. 

CONCENTRATION. 

Plans of Sherman.—March ; the strategic usher.—Fort Steadman.—Sheri¬ 
dan’s GRAND MARCH.—SHERMAN’S VISIT.—The MOVEMENT TO THE LEFT. 418 

CHAPTER XL. 

THE TRUE “ BEGINNING OF THE END.” 

Fight at Dinwiddie Courthouse.—Battle of Five Forks.—Defeat of the reb¬ 
els.—Consternation in Richmond.—Its evacuation by Lee.—Pursuit of the 
fleeing army.—Sailor’s Creek.—Lee’s surrender.—Terms.—Sherman.— 
Stoneman.—Canby at Mobile.—Wilson’s command.—Conclusion. 433 

CHAPTER XLI. 

THE LIEUTENANT-GENERAL’S MILITARY HOUSEHOLD. 

General Rawlins, chief of staff.—Colonel Bowers.—General Comstock.— 
Colonel Babcock.—Colonel Porter.—Colonel Hudson.—Colonel Badeau.— 
Colonel Parker.—Major Leet.—Captain Dunn.—General Williams.—Gen¬ 
eral Webster.—Colonel Lagow.—Colonel Hillyer.—General McPherson.— 
Colonel Rowley.—Colonel Riggin.—Colonel Ihrie.—Major Prime.—Colonel 
Duff.—General Wilson.—General Dent.—General Kent.—General Bar¬ 
nard. — Colonel Dickey. — General Smith. 455 

APPENDIX. 


Official correspondence. 47.3 

Report of Lieutenant-General Grant.. 










LIFE AND SERVICES 

OF 

GENERAL IT. S. GRANT. 


CHAPTER I. 

THE GEE AT WAE OPENS. 


Ruffin’s cannon.—Fort Sumter.—The effect on the masses.—The Nation must 
be saved.—The attitude of the rebels.—Our own duty clear.—The rush to 
arms.—Our ignorance of war.—The want of every thing.—The education 

NEEDED AND EVENTUALLY OBTAINED.—GRANT AN APT SCHOLAR. 

From profound peace to civil war! In an instant, with no 
premonitions that we could regard,—so often had the threat 
been made, and the promise not made good,—the poetical toc¬ 
sin sounded historically for America in the first gun, fired with 
great joy and gratitude by the venerable Edmund Ruffin,* of 
Virginia, against the devoted band of seventy patriot soldiers, 
whom, by a providential policy, and in spite of an effete ad¬ 
ministration, Major Robert Anderson had placed in Fort 
Sumter. This was a strong work of the United States, built 
with government money on government property, in Charles¬ 
ton harbor, for the occupation of which South Carolina, even 
after her unlawful secession, had not even the shadow of a 
State-rights’ claim*. Foul as was the deed, it was needed to 
awake the nation to its self-respect and self-preservation. The 


* “ The first shot at Fort Sumter, from Stevens’ Battery, was fired by the 
venerable Edmund Ruffin, of Virginia .”—New York Herald , April 13, 1861. 





14 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


loyal masses rose at the sound. Men of all social grades, all 
occupations, almost all shades of politics, felt that the crisis, 
long prophesied, but never fully expected, had indeed come; 
and that the nation must now and at once awake, arise, or be 
forever fallen. Supine before, only anxious to avert the horrid 
scourge of a desolating civil war, many true patriots would 
have been held back by sentiments of humanity from proceed¬ 
ing to extremities with the rebellious States ; and had not the 
Sumter cowardice been perpetrated, we might still have been 
ruled by a Southern oligarchy, representing neither the best 
men nor the masses of the South, and we would have been 
subjected to the vaporings and hectorings with which South 
Carolina regaled the country for so manj years, until the sub¬ 
version of our Government, undertaken in some other more 
prudent and politic manner, should have occurred. 

The gage of battle thus thrown down was the best thing for 
the United States Government. It placed the seceding States, 
by their own action, out of the pale of the constitution. They 
had said : “We ask no rights from you ; we declare the Union 
dissolved ; the constitution, for us, annulled; we will maintain 
our own rights.” It put us, too, in our true position, as men 
contending no longer for a dogma or a whim, but for the sal¬ 
vation of the country. Every true patriot, even though he 
had been a pro-slavery democrat, found now no longer South¬ 
ern friends to aid in what they considered the maintenance 
of their legal rights; but Southern traitors and armed rebels 
to conquer, and either bring back to their allegiance, or de¬ 
stroy, root and branch, with all the causes and all the institu¬ 
tions whence the treason and the rebellion had sprung. Their 
armies were to be beaten, their territory retaken, their prop¬ 
erty confiscated, and finally, if necessary, their slaves eman¬ 
cipated. This was, from the first, the true and simple logic of 
the war ; and to this, as the alternative of victory, the rebels 
set their seal and subscription when the venerable Edmund 
Kuffin fired the first gun at Fort Sumter. Of course they ex¬ 
pected to succeed; but failing of this, they had a right to ex¬ 
pect nothing less than what has happened. 


THE GREAT WAR OPENS. 


15 


Tlie reverberation of Ruffin’s cannon went rolling over the 
land. It leaped the Blue Ridge, screamed through its wild 
passes, traversed the valleys of tributary streams, and poured 
in unabated thunder-tones upon the banks of the Mississippi. 
Everywhere it roused the patriots to action. The country 
sprang to its feet. The whole nation, but yesterday a people 
of compromisers and deprecators of civil war, now flew to 
arms. Volunteering was the order of the day : the enthusiasm 
was unbounded. Old men, with spectacles, and in unsightly 
jackets, nearly killed themselves at nightly home-guard drills 
in academies of music, concert-rooms, and town-lialls; small 
boys formed light-infantry companies; women made haver¬ 
sacks and havelocks—the latter of no earthly use except to 
awaken, or rather keep alive, a spirit of patriotic labor ; and 
men, in the bloom of youth and prime of manhood, flocked to 
the rendezvous to take the field. 

It is true we did not know how to fight: we had no generals 
to lead us, except some old relics of our former wars. That 
fine old veteran, General Scott, had passed his seventieth 
year, and, from the effects of old wounds, was in no condition 
to take the field. Our army was but “ the skeleton of the Forty- 
eighth,” an army only in name ; our volunteers were willing, 
but entirely ignorant; our regulars had not been drilled at 
brigade manoeuvres, and the officers knew little about them. 
In most cases, before the war, there were not sufficient troops 
at the garrison posts to drill at battalion manoeuvres. No one 
knew how extensive the theatre of war was to be: on what a 
scale the rebels had been preparing to carry it on : what we 
should need in the way of an army, of supplies and munitions 
of war. We were certain of one thing; and that was, that we 
were deficient in every thing. Even the strategic features of 
the country—unlike those of Europe, where every little rivulet 
and mountain-spur has been fought over, and has its military 
place in history—had never been studied. Perhaps it was in¬ 
cident to this state of things that statesmen spoke oracularly 
of “ no war,” or “ one effective blow,” or “ sixty days,” for 
which to discount the struggle. But in spite of their predic- 


16 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


tions tlie storm grew apace, and, in the midst of obscurity, we 
blundered on in ignorant and absurd experiments. Speak but 
of a man who could aid us, suggest a hero, and the people 
turned to him with the blind worship of helpless fear. Not 
what he had done, but what he was going to do, made him il¬ 
lustrious : he was already a new incarnation of the god of war; 
a second Napoleon come to battle. It is both needless and 
useless now to demonstrate how unjust this was to those thus 
bepraised, and what sore humiliation it was to bring upon the 
■worshippers. But there was no calm judgment then ; the 
danger was imminent, the need urgent, the fear great. At 
last the lightning fell, and Bull Bun was followed by a horror 
of great darkness over the land,—the darkest hour before the 
dawn. 

The truth is, there was no man at that time in America who 
could grasp the colossal problem ; no man on either side. We 
were babes in military practice ; our armies and our generals 
needed education from the very elementary principles, and 
especially that education of disasters which Marmont declares 
to be the very best of all. The Grant of Belmont could not 
have fought the battle of Pittsburg Landing; and it needed 
the practice of Vicksburg and Chattanooga to fit him for the 
terrible struggles of the campaign from the Bapidan. 

Months and years passed, and we became gradually enlight¬ 
ened ; our troops became veterans, and our leaders, when the 
lists were carefully sifted, became generals. None are now 
invested with honors who have not fully earned them; and 
we stand to-day at the open portals of that glorious peace 
which our defenders have achieved, ready to accord to them 
intelligent praise in proportion to their real merits. And thus 
we reach the life and history of General Grant, one of the 
many who rushed to the field when Buffin’s cannon sounded 
the alarm—a graduate of West Point, educated, indeed, as a 
subordinate officer, but not as a general; to be educated as a 
general in and by the war. His career, beginning with the 
Sumter gun, is in itself an epitome of the war, and marks its 
grandest epoch, when armed rebellion threw down its weapons, 


THE GREAT WAR OPENS. 


17 


and tlio country, more by liis power than by that of any other 
individual man, stood new-born, with a giant’s strength, and, 
in the often quoted words of Curran, never elsewhere so 
applicable, “ redeemed, regenerated, and disenthralled, by 
the irresistible genius of universal emancipation.” 


18 


G1UNT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


« 


CHAPTER II. 

CHILDHOOD AND CADET LIFE. 

Grant’s lineage.—The new school oe piography.—H is parentage and birth¬ 
place.—H is name.—Stories of his y^ctth.—Limited education. Appointment 
to the Military Academy.—H is scholarship.—Classmates. Recollections of 
him while a cadet.—The germs of character.— He graduates. 

Grant’s early history needs but little comment. It bears 
no important relation to his after career, although it is 
in no way disconsonant to it. Born of respectable parents 
to the honorable sturdy life of the West, he needs no exhibi¬ 
tion of long descent to inaugurate his history. If Napoleon 
could rebuke the genealogist who was creating for him a ped¬ 
igree, with the words, “ Friend, my patent dates from Monte 
Notte,” Grant may claim his American nobility from Fort 
Donelson. 

On the one hand, all efforts to establish an aristocratic de¬ 
scent and a remarkable childhood for such a man are dis¬ 
honest and absurd; and, on the other hand, all attempts to 
make his antecedents very humble and his childhood very 
hard, in order to exalt his after-life, are disgusting. The one 
is absurdly European, and the other belongs to the “ new 
American school of biography,” the tendency of which is to 
make boys despise their fathers, that they may the more thor¬ 
oughly respect themselves.* 

We may, however, place on record what is truthfully known 
of his family and childhood, being sure that there is noth- 

* See an excellent article, by Gail Hamilton , in “ Skirmishes and Sketches,” 
in which, with the vindictiveness of Herod, she slaughters the “ Bobbin Boys,” 
“ Ferry Boys,” “ Errand Boys,” “ Tanner Boys,” etc., etc. Let us hope she 
has killed all the “ innocents.” 



CHILDHOOD AND CADET LIFE. 19 

ing in Grant’s past npon which he does not look with honest 
pride. 

It is not without interest, moreover, in such a biography to 
know that he comes of a good fighting stock. His great¬ 
grandfather was a captain, and his grandfather a soldier in 
our earlier wars. The former was killed at the battle of White 
Plains in 1756, and the latter did good service in the Revo- 
lution. Jesse It. Grant, his father, was bom in Westmoreland 
Co., Penn., in 1794. In 1805, his father died, and Jesse, then 
an orphan of eleven years, was apprenticed to a tanner. We 
need not trace the wanderings of Jesse Grant, with his mother 
and family, from Pennsylvania to Maysville, in Kentucky, 
then to Ravenna, thence to Ohio. The country was in a dis¬ 
ordered state by reason of British intrigue with Indian bar¬ 
barity ; in many parts the climate was unhealthy, and so we 
find him, after many changes to better his lot, residing at 
Point Pleasant, Clermont County, Ohio. 

Grant’s mother was Hannah Simpson, the daughter of John 
Simpson. She was born in Montgomery County, Pennsyl¬ 
vania ; but removed with her father and family to Clermont 
County, Ohio, in 1818, where, in June, 1821, she married Jesse 
It. Grant. Ten months after, on the twenty-seventh of April, 
1822, their first child, known to the world as Ulysses Simpson 
Grant,* was born in a small one-story cottage, still standing 
on the banks of the Ohio, commanding a view of the river and 
of the Kentucky shore. 

Prom what we know of Grant’s parents—the probity, energy, 
and hard labor of his father ; the consistent Christian charac¬ 
ter, kind heart, and devotion to her family displayed by his 
excellent mother—we have another beautiful illustration of the 
moral heritage of children, and another proof that God shows 
mercy and gives great reward to them that love Him, to many 
generations. 

* His father tells us that his name was Hiram Ulysses, but that his cadet 
warrant was made out for Ulysses Sidney / that he accepted the name while 
at West Point, only changing it to Ulysses Simpson, in honor of his mother, 
when he graduated. 



20 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Many stories are told, of course, exhibiting the sturdy 
character of young Grant, and his resources under difficulties, 
but none betokening, in a remarkable degree, the character 
of his future career. It is said that, upon proper occasion, he 
could be pugnacious ; that he was not outwitted in a bargain ; 
and that he contrived means of overcoming difficulties which 
would have checked other boys. In the same way, the 
biographers of Napoleon have found the types of his after-life 
in his lording it over his elder brother Joseph, and in his 
bravery in attacking snow forts. 

Grant was sturdy, strong, and cool, as many other boys are , 
but up to the time of his first entering into service, no events 
or actions of his life were the heralds of his present greatness. 
The qualities undoubtedly were there, but latent; and of what 
has evoked them in most men, ambition, he seems to have 
none. 

The education of the boy was quite limited, like that of most 
Western boys in moderate circumstances. There was hard 
work to do, in which the son must help the father, and so it was 
only in the midwinter months that he could attend the village 
school. What he learned, however, he learned well; and he 
acquired with the elements of knowledge, not only a basis, 
but, what is of far more importance, an ardent desire for a full 
education. 

By the time Grant was seventeen, West Point had acquired 
great fame throughout the country ; it was known by its fruits ; 
its Sieves were gentlemen of high education and noble bearing. 
In civic fife they were eagerly sought after to take the lead in 
railway engineering and industrial pursuits. They were the 
chief men in all militia organizations ; indeed, the military * 
knowledge of the country was almost as much confined to them 
as the esoteric meaning of the Egyptian mysteries had formerly 
been to the priests. It was also known that there a boy, with¬ 
out the necessary means, could obtain the best education 
which the country could afford, not gratuitously, but more 
than that—he would be paid for learning, trained and main¬ 
tained as a gentleman, and would receive at the last a high, 


CHILDHOOD AND CADET LIFE. 


21 


self-sustaining position—a commission in the army. To such 
a youth as Grant, it offered a splendid chance; and so appli¬ 
cation was made to the Honorable Thomas Xj. Hamer, of 
Grant s congressional district, who gave him the appoint¬ 
ment. Thus, with a good basis of hard, self-reliant, and eager 
boyhood, he was admitted to the preliminary examination, 
and entered the Military Academy on the first of July, 1839.* 
Such are the details, which would have had no importance 
whatever had it not been for subsequent events. 

Even a step further we may follow him without any tempta¬ 
tion to worship the incipient hero. His scholarship at West 
Point was respectable, and no more. He went through the 
entire course, like his classmates, no cadet being allowed any 
option.t From September to June, the cadets are in barracks, 
studying, riding, and fencing in the riding-liall, and, in fine 
weather, drilling in the afternoons at infantry: from June to 
September, they encamp upon the plain, and their time is 
entirely employed in drills of every kind, guard duty, pyro- 
tecliny, and practical engineering. 

In his cadet studies, Grant had something to contend with, 
in the fact of his own lack of early preparation, and the 
superior preparation of most of his competitors, who had been 
over a part of the course before they entered. Among these 
were William B. Franklin, who stood at the head of the class ; 
Boswell S. Bipley, not famous for his “ History of the Mexi¬ 
can War” (written in the interest of General Pillow, and to 
injure General Scott), but quite infamous for firing with great 
rapidity upon the burning Sumter, which the devoted garrison 
were trying to extinguish ; Bufus Ingalls, the excellent quarter¬ 
master-general of the Army of the Potomac ; Joseph J. Bey- 
nolds, late commander in Arkansas ; Christopher C. Augur, 
long in command at Washington ; the rebel General Franklin 
Gardner, who surrendered Port Hudson to Banks when Grant 


* The preliminary examination is extremely single—reading; spelling, 
writing, and arithmetic through decimal fractions. 

f In our day, it was only the first section of each class who learned some¬ 
thing more than was required of the rest. 



22 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


had taken Vicksburg; and others, to whom we design no dis¬ 
credit by not mentioning them. Thirty-nine of the one hun¬ 
dred and more who had been appointed in 1839, graduated 
in 1843. Grant stood in the middle of the class, twenty-first 
on the list. 

The honor of being his comrade for two years at the Acad¬ 
emy enables me to speak more intelligently, perhaps, than 
those of “ the new school,” who have invented the most ab- 
surb stories to illustrate his cadet-life. I remember him as a 
plain, common-sense, straight-forward youth; quiet, calm, 
thoughtful, and unaggressive ; shunning notoriety; quite con¬ 
tented, while others were grumbling; taking to his military 
duties in a very business-like manner ; not a prominent man 
in the corps, but respected by all, and very popular with his 
friends. His sobriquet of Uncle Sam was given to him there, 
where every good-fellow has a nickname, from these very 
qualities; indeed, he was a very uncle-like sort of a youth. 
He was then and always an excellent horseman, and his 
picture rises before me as I write, in the old torn coat,* obso¬ 
lescent leather gig-top, loose riding pantaloons, with spurs 
buckled over them, going with his clanking sabre to the drill- 
hall. He exhibited but little enthusiasm in any .thing : his 
best standing was in the mathematical branches, and their 
application to tactics and military engineering. 

If we again dwell upon the fact that no one, even of his 
most intimate friends, dreamed of a great future for him, it is 
to add that, looking back now, we must confess that the 
possession of many excellent qualities, and the entire absence 
of all low and mean ones, establish a logical sequence from 
first to last, and illustrate, in a novel manner, the poet’s fancy 
about— 

“ Tlie baby figures of tbe giant mass 
Of things to come at large,” 


* Riding-jackets, if we remember rightly, had not then been issued, and 
the cadets always wore their seediest rig into the sweat and dust of the riding 


drill. 



CHILDHOOD AND CADET LIFE. 25 

the germs of those qualities which are found in beautiful com¬ 
bination in Wordsworth’s “ Happy Warrior 

“ Tlie generous spirit who, wlien brought 
Among the tasks of real life, hath wrought 
Upon the plan that pleased his infant thought. 

And at this point of view, as we find the Western boy, after 
the compacting, instructing, developing processes of West 
Point, coming forth a man, ready for the stern realities of 
American life, we may pause to point him out to our American 
youth as an example henceforth to be followed; then, as now, 
a character which, in the words of a friend, “ betrayed no 
trust, falsified no word, violated no rights, manifested no 
tyranny, sought no personal aggrandizement, complained of 
no hardship, displayed no jealousy, ojDpressed no subordinate ; 
but, in whatever sphere, protected every interest, upheld his 
.flag, and was ever known by his humanity, sagacity, courage, 
and honor.” What more can be claimed for any young man? 
What for the greatest of captains ? 

He left West Point as brevet second-lieutenant in the Fourth 
Infantry ; and with his army life we begin another chapter in 
his history. \ 


24 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


CHAPTER III. 

ARMY LIFE AND RETIREMENT FROM SERVICE. 

Brevet second-lieutenant Fourth Infantry.—Goes to Corpus Christi.— At 
Palo Alto and Eesaca de la Palma.—At Monterey.—At V era Cruz.—Regi¬ 
mental quartermaster.—Fights at Molino and Chapultepeo.—Mentioned in 

REPORTS AND BREVETTED CAPTAIN.—At CLOSE OF WAR SENT TO THE NORTHERN 

frontier.—Marries.—Off to Oregon.—Hard work.—Leather-dealer. 

On the 1st of July, 1848, Grant began his army service as 
brevet second-lieutenant in the Fourth Infantry. The expla¬ 
nation of this is, that there being no vacancy in the infantry 
arm, all graduated cadets are thus attached, in the order of 
merit, to regiments, as supernumerary officers, each to await 
a vacancy in his turn. The regiment was then at Jefferson 
Barracks, near St. Louis, Missouri; but, in the summer of 
1844, it was removed to Natchitoches, Louisiana, and as the 
Mexican plot thickened, in 1845, it was sent to Corpus Christi, 
to watch the Mexican army then concentrating upon the 
frontier. Grant was made a full second-lieutenant in the 
Seventh Regiment, on the 30th of September, 1845. But he 
had formed an attachment for the Fourth, and applied to re¬ 
main in it: this was granted by the War Department. He 
was fortunate enough to be at Palo Alto and Resaca, May 6 
and 7, 1846—the trial fights of the American army against a 
civilized enemy, after thirty years of peace ; and he participated 
in the bloody battle of Monterey, September 23, 1846. His 
regiment was soon after called away from General Taylor’s 
command, to join General Scott in his splendid campaign from 
Yera Cruz to Mexico, two hundred and seventy-two miles in 
the heart of the enemy’s country. He was at the siege and 
capture of Yera Cruz, March 29, 1847; and on April 1, pre¬ 
paratory to the advance, he was appointed regimental quarter- 


ARMY LIFE AND RETIREMENT FROM SERVICE. 25 

master, a post which he held* during the remainder of the war. 
It is a position requiring system and patience, and drawing a 
small additional pay; it is usually conferred upon some solid, 
energetic, painstaking officer, not necessarily one remarkable 
for dash and valor. Being in charge of the regimental 
equipage and trains, the quartermaster may, without impro¬ 
priety, remain with these during actual battle, as we have 
known many to do. It is therefore recorded, as greatly to 
the praise of Grant, that he always joined his regiment in 
battle, and shared their lighting. At Molino del Bey, Septem¬ 
ber 8, 1847, he was distinguished, and was breveted first- 
lieutenant for his services. This brevet, however, owing to the 
fact of his becoming a full first-lieutenant by the casualties of 
that battle, he declined. At Chapultepec, September 13, 
1847, Grant joined, with a few of his men, some detachments 
of the Second Artillery, under Captain Horace Brooks, in an 
attack on the enemy’s breastworks, served a mountain howit¬ 
zer and hastened the enemy’s retreat, and “ acquitted himself 
most nobly under the observation” of his* regimental, brigade, 
and division commanders.* 

For this action Grant received the brevet of captain for 
“ gallant and meritorious conduct,” awarded in 1849, but not 
confirmed until 1850. 

His first-lieutenancy dated from September 16, 1847. It 
must not be supposed that these services during the Mexican 
war are now dressed up to assimilate with his after-career. 
He was really distinguished in that war above most of those 
of his own rank.f 


* See General Wortli’s, Lientenant-Colonel Garland’s, and Major Francis 
Lee’s reports of that battle. 

f During our residence at the capital I heard a “horse-story” about Grant, 
which has not appeared in the books, but which is, at least, true. He was an 
admirable horseman, and had a very spirited horse. A Mexican gentleman, 
with whom he was upon friendly terms, asked the loan of his horse. Grant 
said afterwards, “ I was afraid he could not ride him, and yet I knew if I said 
a word to that effect, the suspicious Spanish nature would think I did not wish 
to lend him.” The result was, that the Mexican moimted him, was thrown 
before he had gone two blocks, and killed on the spot. 

2 



26 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Upon the close of the war by the treaty promulgated in 
April, 1848, the Fourth Infantry was sent first to New York ; 
and then to the Northern frontier, and for some time Grant 
served in the command of his company, first at Detroit, and 

then at Saekett’s Harbor. 

\ 

In August, 1848, he married Miss Dent, sister of his class¬ 
mate, Frederick J. Dent, who resided in St. Louis. 

Incident to the acquisition of California and the wonderfuf 
discoveries of gold, troops were more necessary on our W est- 
ern coast than elsewhere, to protect the emigrants and the new 
Pacific Settlements from the depredations of the Indians. The 
Fourth Infantry was therefore ordered to Oregon, in the 
autumn of 1851, and one battalion, with wdiich brevet Captain 
Grant was serving, was ordered to Fort Dallas, where he saw 
some service against the Indians. 

After a two years’ absence from his family, and "with but 
little prospect of promotion in those “ dull and piping times 
of peace,” Grant having been promoted to a full captaincy in 
August, 1853, resigned his commission in July 31, 1854, and 
set forth to commence life anew as a citizen. That he tried 
many shifts does not betoken a fickle or volatile nature, but 
simply the invention "which is born of necessity. As a small 
farmer, near St. Louis, and a dealer in w r ood, he made a pre¬ 
carious living : as a money collector ke did no more, having 
neither the nature to bully nor the meanness to wheedle the 
debtors. He could not 

“ Crook the pregnant hinges of the knee, 

That thrift may follow fawning.” 

He is said also to have played the auctioneer; but in this 
branch, unless he made longer speeches than he has since 
done, he could achieve no success. 

In 1860 he entered into partnership with his father, who 
had been prosperous in the tanning business, in a new leather 
and saddlery store in Galena, Illinois. Here, in a place wilich 
had a growing trade with Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota, 


ARMY LIFE AND RETIREMENT FROM SERVICE. 


27 


the industry, good sense, and honesty of Grant did at length 
achieve a certain and honorable success, and, had the rebellion 
not broken out, he would have had a local reputation in the 
firm of Jesse R. Grant, as an admirable judge of leather, per¬ 
haps mayor of Galena, with a thoroughly well-mended sidewalk, 
visited always with pleasure by his old army friends travelling 
westward, but never heard of by the public. His greatest 
success had been achieved in the army; his Mexican expe¬ 
rience gave glimpses of a future in that fine ; he needed only 
opportunity, and he was to have it abundantly. Here, then, 
we mark a new epoch in his life—a sudden plunge, unex¬ 
pected and unheralded— 


“ The torrent’s smoothness ere it dash below.” 


28 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


CHAPTER IV. 

♦ • 

BELMONT. 

Effect of the news on Grant. —A Democrat before the war. —An unqual- 

. IFIED WAR-MAN NOW. — RAISES A COMPANY. — DOES GOOD SERVICE AS MUSTER¬ 
ING officer. — Colonel of the Twenty-first Illinois.—Marches. —Acting 
BRIGADIER AT CAIRO. — TlIE VALUE OF CAIRO. — THE REBEL STRATEGY. — EXPE¬ 
DITION to Belmont.—Fremont’s orders. —Polk at Columbus.—This battle. 
— Success. — Enemy re-unforced. — Grant withdraws. — Comments. 


It may be easily conceived how the treachery of Southern 
leaders, the secession of South Carolina, and the bombard¬ 
ment of Fort Sumter affected Grant. A decided Democrat 
before the war, he had, in his limited sphere, been in favor of 
conceding to the South all its rights, perhaps more ; but when 
the struggle actually began, his patriotism and military ardor 
were aroused together. As a patriot, he was determined to 
support his Government and uphold his flag; and as a soldier, 
he saw opening before him a career of distinction for which 
he had been educated, and in which he had already, in some 
degree distinguished himself. In April he helped to raise a 
company in his own neighborhood, and, in May, repaired to 
Springfield, and tendered his services to Governor Yates, to 
whom he had been recommended by a member of Congress 
from liis State. It w r as not long before the governor made 
use of Grant’s experience in organizing the State troops. 

- He was appointed a mustering-officer of the State, and pro¬ 
ceeded to the difficult task of mustering the three-months’ 
men, which, amidst much confusion, he accomplished by his 
indefatigable energy. While on a brief visit to his father, at 
Covington, Kentucky, Grant received a commission from the 
governor as colonel of the Twenty-first Illinois Volunteers, 
three-months’ men. They subsequently enlisted, owing to 


BELMONT. 


29 


their confidence in him, one thousand stiong, for three years’ 
service. Grant’s first concern was to drill and discipline his 
regiment, which soon became marked for its excellent order. 
He took command of the regiment at Springfield, Illinois, and 
superintended their drill; and, not long after, he marched 
them, in default of railroad transportation, one hundred and 
twenty miles, to Quincy, on the Mississippi, which was sup¬ 
posed to be in danger. Thence he moved, under orders, to 
defend the line of the Hannibal and Hudson Railroad, from 

t 

Hannibal and Quincy, on the Mississippi, to St. Joseph ; and 
here coming into contact with other regiments, his military 
knowledge and experience pointed to him, although the 
youngest colonel, as the commander of the combined forces. 
As acting brigadier-general of this force, his headquarters, on 
the 31st of July, 1861, w r ere at Mexico, Missouri. We need 
not detail the marches of Grant’s regiments in the “ District 
of Northern Missouri” — as General Pope’s command was 
called—to Pilot Knob, and Ironton,-and Jefferson City, to de¬ 
fend the river against the projected attacks of Jeff. Thomp¬ 
son. In August he received his commission as brigadier- 
general of volunteers, to date from May 17. He was seven¬ 
teenth in a list of thirty-four original appointments of that 
date. He was ordered to proceed to Cairo, and there, with 
two brigades, he took command of the important strategic 
territory entitled “ The District of Southeast Missouri,” in¬ 
cluding both banks of the Mississippi River, from Cape Girar¬ 
deau to New Madrid, and on the Ohio it included the whole 
of Western Kentucky. A glance at the map discloses the 
strategic importance of Cairo, as a base of operations for a 
southern advance, and of vital importance in the line of de¬ 
fence for the extensive and rich country lying between the 
Ohio and the Mississippi. It is especially valuable for river 
expeditions, the transportation of supplies, and the equipment 
of a gunboat fleet. The parallel flow of the Tennessee and 
Cumberland northward into the Ohio also includes a most 
important portion of West Kentucky, which Grant saw at a 
glance was to become the scene of immediate hostilities. 


30 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Grant was now in liis element; lie not only accomplished 
with alacrity what he was ordered to do, but he made work 
for his troops. He at once displayed that energy which he 
has never abated for an instant during the war. 

The attempted and absurd neutrality of Kentucky was one¬ 
sided ; it was to keep Union troops away and let rebels 
attack.* The latter were not slow in availing themselves of 
this privilege. Seizing, first Hickman, and then Columbus 
and Bowling Green, and fortifying the Tennessee at Fort 
Henry, and the Cumberland at Fort Donelson, they estab¬ 
lished a first strong line from the Mississippi to Virginia in 
the “neutral” State of Kentucky.f Grant followed their 
lead, and, on the 6th of September, with a strong force, oc¬ 
cupied Paducah, where the Tennessee empties into the Ohio, 
much to the chagrin of the secessionists there, who were 
anxiously awaiting the arrival of a large rebel force. In the 
same manner he occupied Smithland, near the mouth of the 
Cumberland, and thus made two vital moves in the game 
in which he was to cry checkmate at Fort Donelson. These 
points were also valuable to the rebels as gateways of sup¬ 
plies. From the places now occupied, Grant at once busied 
himself in making numerous reconnoissances in every direc¬ 
tion, until at length he was ready to try his “ ’prentice hand” 
upon the rebels. When all was ready, he moved down the 
river to Belmont, opposite Columbus, and there the first 
battle took place. The origin of that movement may be 
thus briefly stated. 

General Fremont, under date November 1, 1861, directed 
Grant to make demonstrations “ along both sides of the river 


* And yet tliis neutrality was reproached by the rebels. See Pollard’s “ First 
Year of the War,” p. 183. 

f On the 5th of September, Grant informed Fremont by telegram that the 
rebels had invaded the State, and that he was “ nearly ready for Paducah, 
should not a telegram arrive preventing the movement.” Receiving no word 
from Fremont, he left Cairo on the night of the 5th, and occupied Paducah on 
the morning of the 6th. On the same day he published a clear, patriotic, and 
humane proclamation to the citizens. 



BELMONT. 


31 


towaids Charleston, Norfolk, and Blandville.” On tlie 2d, lie 
was tfms informed by Fremont: “ Jeff. Thompson is at In¬ 
dian's Ford of The St. Francois River, twenty-five miles below 
Greenville, with about three thousand men. Colonel Carlin 
has started with a force from Pilot Knob. Send a force from 
Cape Girardeau and Bird’s Point to assist Carlin in driving 
Thompson into Arkansas.” Incident to these instructions, 
Grant sent Oglesby, on the 3d, with the Eighth Illinois, four 
companies of the Eleventh Illinois, the whole of the Eighteenth 
and Twenty-ninth, and three companies of cavalry, to go to 
Commerce, Missouri, thence to Sikeston, and pursue Jeff, 
Thompson (in conjunction with a force from Ironton). On 
the 5th he was informed that Polk was re-enforcing Price’s 
army from Columbus. In this complication of circumstances 
he determined to threaten Columbus and attack Belmont. 
Oglesby was deflected to New Madrid, and Colonel W. H. L. 
"Wallace sent to re-enforce him. The object of the attack then 
w r as to cut off the rebel line in Kentucky from Price’s forces 
in Missouri, and also to Keep Polk from interfering with the 
detachments Grant had sent out in pursuit of Jeff. Thompson. 

Grant directed General C. F. Smith to make a demonstration 
upon Columbus from Paducah, and ihen himself sent down a 
small force on the Kentucky side to Elhcott’s Mills, about 
twelve miles from Columbus. Having taken these precau¬ 
tions to deceive the enemy, he embarked his expeditionary 
force at Cairo on the 6th of November—throe thousand one 
hundred and fourteen men,* chiefly Illinois volunteers, with 
the Seventh Iowa, upon four boats, convoyed b;y the gunboats 
Lexington, Captain Stembel, and Tyler, Captain Walker, the 
gunboats in advance. Moving with due caution, they reached 
Island No. 1, eleven miles above Columbus, that night, and 
lay against the Kentucky shore. It was then he heard that 
Polk was crossing troops to Belmont to cut off Oglesby. The 


* McClernand’s brigade (Twenty-seventh, Thirtieth, Thirty-first Illii ois) with 
cavalry. Dougherty’s brigade (Twenty-second Illinois, Seventh Iowa).- (J rant’s 
Revised Report, June 26, 1805. 




32 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


next morning lie moved to Hunter’s Point, three miles above 
Belmont, on the Missouri shore, where his troops were landed 
and formed into column of attack. 

The rebel forces at Columbus were commanded by Major- 
General Leonidas Polk, a bishop of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church, the purity of whose lawn is forever stained with blood 
drawn by earned weapons ; a weak but brave man, but one 
whose West Point education was at least worth something to the 
rebel cause. Polk had posted a small force on the right bank, 
to keep open his communications; and, as soon as he had wind 
of Grant’s movement, and Smith’s demonstration to Maysfield, 
he expected an attack on Columbus, or at least in Kentucky. 
Indeed, until the close of the engagement, he apprehended an 
attack in his rear. 

Grant’s movement took him somewhat by surprise. From 
the point of debarkation, one battalion having been left as a 
reserve near the transports, the troops were marched by flank 
towards Belmont, and drawn up in line of battle two miles 
from Belmont. Skirmishers were then thrown forward, who 
soon encountered Colonel Tappan’s rebel force, consisting of 
three regiments, re-enforced by Pillow with three more, and 
the general engagement took place. Deploying his entire 
force as skirmishers, Grant drove the enemy back, fighting 
from tree to tree, for about two miles, until he reached the 
intrenched camp protected by slashed timber as an abatis. 
In rear of this, opposing our left, were the Thirteenth Arkansas 
and the Ninth Tennessee ; and on the right was Beltzhoover’s 
battery of seven guns and Colonel Wright’s regiment. This did 
not check our impetuous advance. Charging over the obstacle 
with great ardor, our^nen drove the enemy to the river-bank, 
and many of them into their transports, and we were in posses¬ 
sion of every thing* But as Belmont is on low ground, en- 

* Tlie rebel excuse is, that they were out of ammunition ; good, but not new. 
Pollard says : “ In this movement Pillow’s line was more or less broken, and 
his corps mingled together, so that when they reached the river-bank they 
had the appearance of a mass of men, rather than an organized corps .”—First 
Year, p. 201. 



BELMONT. 


33 


tirely commanded by the guns from Columbus, it was manifest 
that the ground thus gained could not be held, and therefore 
Grant fired the encampment, burning tents, blankets, and 
stores, and began his return movement with captured artillery, 
prisoners, and horses. But the end of our success on the field 
had been attained. Major-General Polk, who "was now quite 
alive to the situation, directed his heaviest guns from Colum¬ 
bus upon our troops. He had already sent over three* regi¬ 
ments in one body, under General Pillow ; these were sup¬ 
ported by three others, under General Cheatham, wdiich 
landed some distance above, between our soldiers and the 
boats. Further to crush Grant’s small force, the bishop, al¬ 
though sadly afraid of an attack on his rear at Columbus, took 
over two additional regiments in person to aid Pillow’s panic- 
stricken force. But by this time Grant was in retreat to his 
boats, and only faced to the right and rear to punish Cheat¬ 
ham’s flankers, and a portion of Pillow's under Colonel Marks, 
who had marched up the river-bank, and endeavored to prevent 
his return to the boats. In that retreat we suffered very 
severely, our troops being hard pressed by overpowering 
numbers. One battalion had been posted in the morning to 
guard the transports. In the hurried retreat, Grant went 
back with one officer to withdraw it, and was almost cap¬ 
tured. At the last moment he rode his horse upon a plank 
placed from the boat to the shore. At five in the afternoon 
Grant’s force bad re-embarked, and were on their way to 
Cairo, while the rebels were checked by the fire of our gun¬ 
boats. We had left two caissons, but had brought off two 
of the enemy’s guns. We had eighty-five killed, three hun¬ 
dred and one (many slightly) wounded, and about ninety-nine 
missing. The Confederate loss was six hundred and forty- 
two.t Both parties claimed a victory, but on the recovery 
of the field and the pursuit of our retiring columns the rebels 
base their claims to a success, which we need not dispute. 

* Pollard says four regiments, but we give the rebels the benefit of clergy, 
as the bishop says three. 

f Pollard, “ First Year of the War.” 

2 * 





34 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


* 

Although, in comparison with subsequent engagements, Bel¬ 
mont seems a small affair, it has an importance peculiarly 
its'own. 

I. It was a coup d’essai of our new general. While others 
of his rank were playing quite subordinate parts in large 
armies, Grant was making an independent expedition in com¬ 
mand, outwitting the enemy, burning his camp, retreating 
successfully when overpowered, and effecting his purpose in a 
most soldierly manner. 

II. Again, it was a trial of our new troops in the West, 
and they acquitted themselves so as to elicit the hearty praise 
of their commander and the country. They fought well in 
the attack, from colonels to privates,* in the retreat, and in 
cutting their way through Cheatham’s force, and wnre never 
for a moment discouraged. 

III. The objects of the expedition,—to prevent the enemy 
from sending a force to Missouri to cut off our detachments 
which were pressing Thompson, and to prevent his re-enforcing 
Price,—were fully accomplished. Grant had given him a blow 
which kept him concentrated, lest another might soon follow. 

IY. It demonstrated the weakness of the enemy. It led to 
the victories of Forts Henry and Donelson, and the piercing of 
the rebels’ line, which threw it back almost upon the Gulf. 

Of the personal prowess of General Grant, as evinced in 
this battle, it is now needless to speak ; it was of the highest 
order. He, as well as General McClernand, had a horse shot 
under him, and amid the crashing projectiles of heavy guns 
from Columbus and Belmont, and the fatal storm of musketry, 
“ the gallant conduct of his troops was stimulated by his 
presence and inspired by his example.”! 


* In a letter to Ills father (November 8tli) Grant says, “ I can say with grati¬ 
fication, that every colonel, without a single exception, set an example to their 
commands,” etc. 

f General McClernand’s “ Official Report.” McClernand had three horses 
shot under him. * 

Note.— June 26, 1865, General Grant submitted to the Secretary of War a 
fresh report, to take the place of the old one. 




FORT HENRY. 


35 




CHAPTER V. 

FORT HENRY. 

IIalleck’s Department oe Missouri.—Grant’s reconnoissance into Kentucky. 
—Its value.—Map of field of operations.—Columbus, the Gibraltar of 
America.—Rebel line.—Forts Henry and Donelson.—Foote’s flotilla.— 
C. F. Smith and Phelps reconnoitre Fort Henry.—Grant receives permis¬ 
sion to attack.—The fort described.—Lloyd Tilgiiman in command.— 
Grant’s orders of march and battle.—The naval attack.—The surrender. 
—Comments on rebel defeat.— On to Donelson.—Tribute to Commodore 
Foote. 


The “ District of Cairo,” to tlie command of which General 
Grant had been assigned, began now to assume more impor¬ 
tance, as the immediate field of war in the West blazed from 
new points almost daily, and the thunder-bursts were answered 
by echoing guns all over the country. On the 12th of Novem- . 
ber, 1861, General Henry Wager Halleck, of the regular army, 
and second on the list of major-generals, was sent to take 
command of the “ Department of Missouri.” He had formerly 
been an officer of engineers in our army, but had been for 
some time out of service, as a successful lawyer in San Fran¬ 
cisco. He was well known as a diligent military student, and 
as a writer upon the military art. His department included 
the States of Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, 
Arkansas, and that portion of Kentucky west of the Cumber¬ 
land Diver. This territory he at once divided into districts. 
Of this department, the District of Cairo was the most im¬ 
portant part; and it was on the 20th of December enlarged, 
so as to include all the southern part of Illinois, all that part 
of Kentucky west of the Cumberland Paver, and the southern 
counties of Missouri south of Cape Girardeau. Confirmed in 
this large command, General Grant at once began to organize, 


36 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


under the direction of General Halleck, for a new movement. 
Cairo was the point of departure, rather than a point cTappui. 
Grant posted his troops at numerous prominent points for 
defence, for convenience of supplies, and for facilities of re- 
connoissance, and also to deceive the enemy temporarily, 
with reference to his strength. On the 10th of January he 
sent General McClernand, with an expeditionary force of five 
thousand Illinois Volunteers, to penetrate into the interior of 
Kentucky, in the neighborhood of Columbus, and towards 
Mayfield and Camp Beauregard. 

This reconnoissance into Kentucky was made by order of 
Major-General Halleck, and, as it is believed, at the request of 
Qeneral Buell, with a view to prevent the enemy, who had 
established his line, from detaching forces from Columbus and 
the adjacent country to re-enforce the garrisons of Bowling 
Green, against which General Buell was then preparing to move. 

To aid McClernand, General Grant sent down detached 
regiments from time to time to join him; and, on the 14th, he 
sent the entire divisions of Generals Payne and C. F. Smith 
to act in concert with him. 

General Payne moved from Bird’s Point, with the column 
from Cairo, and then, holding Fort Jefferson with a portion 
of his command, supported McClernand in the reconnois¬ 
sance. General Smith moved from Smithland: Grant him¬ 
self accompanied the column from Cairo. 

The weather was cold, the roads slippery and muddy, and 
the river filled with floating ice. McClernand occupied Fort 
Jefferson, marched through Blandville, and to within the dis¬ 
tance of a mile from the defences of Columbus. He was recalled 
on the 20th, having discovered new roads and obtained much 
valuable information for a future advance in force. Indeed, 
the results of this rapid and vigorous movement, especially so 
far as the column from Cairo was concerned, was a minute 
acquaintance with the roads, streams, and general topography 
of the country, which would have been of incalculable value 
had we been compelled to operate directly against Columbus. 
Two of our gunboats had gone down the river at the same 


FORT HENRY. 


37 


time, and driven three rebel armed vessels back under the 
shelter of the guns of Columbus. 

Before attempting to present the succeeding movements, 
based upon the information obtained from this and other re- 
connoissances, let us glance for a moment at the rebel position. 



\b\mddty 


Paducahd' 


Cairo 


Belvum 


FhEenvy 


turn/ 


Dover 


MonV 


Com 

rtierce'\rg. 


Mew v 
Madridj 


OPERATIONS IN WESTERN KENTUCKY. 


Columbus, twenty miles below the mouth of the Ohio, with 
its bluffs two hundred feet high, was strongly fortified by 
heavy batteries which swept the Mississippi above and below. 
The landward defences, at first weak, were being daily 
strengthened; and the rebel press, calling it the Gibraltar of 
America, declared that it would seal the great river, until all 
nations should acknowledge the independence of the Southern 
Confederacy. 

To extend their line eastward, covering Nashville in that 
direction, they had, beginning in August, 1861, fortified 
Bowling Green, a small place on the Big Barren River, but 
naturally w T ell adapted to defence, and of strategic importance 
as being on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. The Big 
Barren River is at certain seasons navigable for small vessels, 
by the Ohio and Green rivers, from Louisville. The river is very 
winding in its vicinity, and in all the bends are steep hills 






38 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


wliicli were crowned with lunettes, redans, and even bastioned 
works. 

Important lines in the strategic problem were the Tennessee 
and Cumberland rivers, flowing in a northerly direction, with 
nearly parallel currents through Kentucky, into the Ohio. The 
Tennessee is navigable at high-water for steamboats to Flor¬ 
ence, at the foot of Muscle Shoals ; and the Cumberland, on 
the right bank of which Nashville is situated, is navigable 
during high-water for large steamboats to Nashville, about 
two hundred miles from its mouth, and for small steamers 
nearly three hundred miles further. 

To bar the navigation of these streams against the passage 
of Union troops, supplies, and gunboats, into the very vitals 

M 

of the rebellion, thus cutting it in two places, the rebels had 
erected two strong works, which they boasted to be quite 
sufficient for this purpose. The one on the eastern bank of 
the Tennessee was called Fort Henry: it mounted seventeen 
guns, and had barracks and tents for fifteen thousand 
men ; and the other, named Fort Donelson, was erected on 
the western bank of the Cumberland, and mounted about 
forty guns. These forts also served immediately to guard the 
railroads from Memphis to Nashville and Bowling Green, and 
the small branch railroad to Dover. The distance between 
Forts Henry and Donelson was twelve miles : a good road 
and telegraph line connected the two. 

Thus an apparently strong, and a certainly well-chosen line, 
was formed, extending from the Mississippi at Belmont and 
Columbus, through Southern Kentucky and Northern Ten¬ 
nessee to Cumberland Gap, and thence onward by East Ten¬ 
nessee and Southwestern Virginia to the rebel positions 
around and beyond Richmond; and to strengthen this line, 
all troops that could be spared from Virginia had been sent 
by the Confederate government. 

But the old axiom, that “ nothing is stronger than its 
weakest point,” was here verified. To break this vaunted 
line ; to make stronghold after stronghold crumble or dis¬ 
solve, and to lay down the grand equations for the solution of 


FORT HENRY. 


39 


future problems of a higher degree—the clearing of the 
Mississippi and the advance from Chattanooga—these were 
the plans of our Government; and among the intelligent any 
energetic agents in carrying them out, none was more so than 
General Grant. We cannot read his history from first to last 
without being struck with the manifest foresight he has dis¬ 
played. He goes on from action to action, in logical connec¬ 
tion, as though each was only a means to an end, the end 
becoming a new means, until the final goal should be reached. 


During the autumn and early winter, numerous gunboats 
had been built, and many river-boats altered into gunboats, at 
Cairo, St. Louis, and numerous river-towns, by citizens and 
quartermasters, under the general superintendence of Com¬ 
modore A. H. Foote, of the navy ; and a number of these were 
now in readiness to co-operate with the army in its advance 
by the rivers into Southern territory. To man them, volun¬ 
teers were called for among the river-hands and sea-faring 
men who had entered the army, and they responded readily : 
it was, for a time at least, a popular service, and one that the 
sequel proved to be full of the most romantic adventures. 

Let us now return for a moment to consider the movements 
of the reconnoitring column of General Grant’s army which 
moved from Paducah. These were also of the greatest impor¬ 
tance. Upon his return, in accordance with Grant’s orders, 
General C. F. Smith struck the Tennessee Liver about twenty 
miles below Fort Henry. There he met Commander Phelps, of 
the navy, with a gunboat, patroling the river. After a brief con¬ 
ference with that energetic officer, General Smith decided to 
get upon the gunboat, and run up for a look at Fort Henry. 

The boat steamed up sufficiently near to draw the enemy’s 
fire, and present a just idea of the armament of the work. 
Smith returned at once, and reported to General Grant his 
conviction that, with three or four of “ the turtle iron-clads” 
and a strong co-operating land force, Fort Henry might be 
easily captured, if the attack should be made within a short 
time. It was about the 15tli of January that Grant for- 
\ 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


40 

warded this report to Halleck. No action having been at 
once taken, General Grant and Flag-Officer Foote sent dis¬ 
patches, on the 28th of January, asking for permission to 
storm Fort Henry, and hold it as a strong point from which 
to operate in any direction. Time was valuable. General 
Grant wrote an urgent letter to Halleck (dated Cairo, January 
29tli), still further explaining his dispatches, and setting forth 
the feasibility and the great importance of this movement. At 
length the desired order came. On the 30th, in the afternoon, 
Grant received a dispatch from Halleck directing him to make 
preparations without delay to take and hold Fort Henry, and 
promising that full instructions should be sent by messenger. 



Without for an instant proposing to say that Halleck had 
not blocked out these nlovements in his own mind, we do say 
that the plans of General Grant, based upon the energetic 
action of his subordinates, and especially of C. F. Smith, were 
formed and suggested to Halleck in entire ignorance of the 
plans of General Halleck. From the concentration of troops 
in Grant’s command it was evident that Halleck intended a 
vigorous move in some direction, but Grant’s title to the 
actual plan of movement is at least as good as that of either 
General Halleck or General Buell. 

All preparations having been made, the first point of attack 
designated was Fort Henry. It was an irregular field-work. 





FORT HENRY. 


41 


with, five bastions, on the eastern bank of the Tennessee. 
The embrasures were revetted with sand-bags; and its arma¬ 
ment, a large portion of which swept the river below, com¬ 
prised one sixty-two pounder, one ten-inch columbiad, twelve 
tliirty-twos, two forty-twos, and one twelve-pounder. Twelve 
of the guns bore upon the river. 

Both above and below the fort were creeks, defended by 
rifle-pits and abatis of slashed timber, and around it was 
'swampy land with a sheet of back-water in the rear. The 
land approaches are difficult, and across the river, which is 
here about half a mile wide, was an unfinished work, begun 
too late, and therefore abandoned, but originally designed to 
aid Fort Henry in stopping the passage of the river. Pan¬ 
ther Creek, a short distance below the fort, falls into the Ten¬ 
nessee just abreast of Panther Island. 

The command of this important work, a link in the great 
chain, although, as events proved, a very weak one, w r as con¬ 
fided to Brigadier-General Lloyd Tilghman, of the Confed¬ 
erate service, with a force of more than three thousand men, 
and with a clear exposition—manifest without words—of the 
importance of his command. Tilghman was of the Maryland 
family of revolutionary repute, a graduate of West Point, and 
a gallant volunteer in our army during the Mexican war. On 
the 6tli of May, 1861, as colonel commanding the Western 
Division of “ Neutral Kentucky,” in an interview with Colonel 
Prentiss at Cairo, he had declared that he had no hostile pur¬ 
pose against the Government; but in less than a year he was 
captured at Fort Henry as a Confederate brigadier, and was 
afterwards killed in the ranks of treason at Baker’s Creek, 
near Vicksburg. 

On the morning of Monday, February 2, and after a quiet 
Sunday at Cairo, Commodore Foote having devotedly invoked 
God’s blessing on the expedition, with all the fervor, but with¬ 
out the superstition, of a Spanish conquistador, moved up the 
Ohio to Paducah, and thence up the Tennessee. His fleet con¬ 
sisted of the iron-clad gunboats Cincinnati, Essex, Carondelet, 
and St. Louis, and the wooden boats Lexington, Tyler, and 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


42 

Conestoga : the Cincinnati was liis flag-ship. By nightfall 
they were in the Tennessee ; and by easy steaming they were 
three or four miles below Fort Henry at daylight on Tuesday, 
February 3. Caution was necessary, on account of the infor¬ 
mation obtained from people on the river-banks that the 
stream was mined with torpedoes. Foote had the river chan¬ 
nel dragged with grappling-irons, and succeeded in fishing up 
several, which, however, being imperfectly prepared, would 
have proved harmless. 

Steaming up to within a mile of the fort, the commodore 
fired the first gun from the Cincinnati as she passed the head 
of Panther Island, at half-past twelve o’clock, and from that 
time the bombardment was careful and slow, mostly with cur- 
vated fire, until the fort surrendered. 

And where was Grant’s army at this time ? He had moved 
to the combined attack, with the divisions of McClernand and 
C. F. Smith, thus disposed: McClernand, with the First 
Division, landing at Marbury’s, three miles below, was to 
move in rear of the fort, to occupy the road leading to Dover 
and Fort Donelson,—thus to cut off the retreat of the garrison 
and prevent re-enforcements from coming in, and also to be 
“in readiness to charge and take Fort Henry by storm 
promptly on receipt of orders.” We quote the words of 
Grant’s order of march and battle. 

Two brigades of Smith’s (Second) division, landing on the 
west bank, were to reconnoitre and occupy the unfinished 
work, Fort Heiman, and the surrounding eminences, and 
bring their artillery to bear on Fort Henry. The third 
brigade of Smith was to march up the east bank in the track 
of McClernand, and either to support him or form a special 
column of attack on the fort, as circumstances might prompt. 
The orders of General Grant were clear, practicable, and 'well 
timed. It was supposed that if the attack by the fleet in 
front began at twelve o’clock of the 6th, the army would be in 
position to co-operate ; and had the fort made any thing like 
the defence which was anticipated, this would have been the 
case. But the roads were very bad, and Grant moved with 


FORT HENRY. 


43 

proper caution over ground entirely untried, and in partial 
ignorance of the disposition of the enemy’s forces between 
Forts Henry and Donelson. 

But to return to the gunboats. Constantly steaming slowly 
up towards the fort, and passing Panther Island by the 
western channel, they came into position just below the fort, 
and in a line diagonally across the river. The order of the 
iron-clads, from left to right, was as follows : the Essex, 
Carondelet, Cincinnati, and St. Louis. In second line, just 
above Panther Island, were the wooden boats Lexington, 
Conestoga, and Tyler. 

The firing from the boats was at once warmly responded to 
by the fort, and a terrific cannonade was kept up ; the naval 
guns, with both direct and curvated fire, raining in upon the 
terreplein, knocking the sandbag embrasures to pieces, and 
dismounting several of the guns in the fort. The rifled gun 
in the fort soon bursts, killing three men and disabling many 
others ; the flagstaff is shattered and falls ; seven of the guns 
are dismantled or useless. The garrison -becomes discour¬ 
aged, and at last panic-stricken. The three thousand men 
who were encamped outside scarcely wait for Tilghman’s 
orders to save themselves. Some, fearing McClernand’s ap¬ 
proach, make a rapid flight by the upper Dover road, while 
others, seizing a small steamer lying at the mouth of the 
creek above the fort, steam hastily up the river. And thus 
Tilghman is left, with eighty or ninety artillerists, to sur¬ 
render the work. Meanwhile the metal of the gunboats has 
been fairly put to the test. The Cincinnati, flag-ship, has 
received thirty-one shots; the Essex, sixteen; the St. Louis, 
seven ; the Carondelet, six. The iron sides of the boats shed 
most of the balls, but the Essex receives one of the shots in 
her boiler, which results in the wounding and scalding of 
twenty-nine, officers and men, among whom is the intrepid 
commander, W. D. Porter. 

At length, when he had only four guns bearing on the river 
still fit for service ; when his frightened garrison had deserted 
him, leaving only “ fifty privates and twenty sickand when 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


44 

ho had done a private soldier’s service at the middle battery, 
“covered with smoke, and personally pointing the guns,’ 
Tilghman hauled down his rebel flag, and ran up a white 
one, at five minutes before two, the action having lasted for 
only one hour and a quarter. 

Grant came up half an hour afterwards, pleased of course 
with the result, but doubtless feeling a soldier’s natural dis¬ 
appointment that the rapidity of the fight had settled the 
matter before the arrival of his command. Commodore 
Foote turned over to him the captured work, munitions, and 
prisoners ; the transports and troops which were coming up 
the Tennessee were turned back or stopped at the fort; and 
the next step in the grand game was immediately con¬ 
sidered.* 


* In Grant’s brief report to Halleck’s staff-officer, written tlie same day 
from Fort Henry, lie says: 

“ Captain —Inclosed I send you my order for the attack upon Fort Henry. 
Owing to dispatches received from Major-General Halleck, and corroborating 
information here, to the effect that the enemy were rapidly re-enforcing, I 
thought it imperatively necessary that the fort should be carried to-day. My 
forces were not up at ten o’clock last night, when my order was written, there¬ 
fore I did not deem it practicable to set an earlier hour than eleven o’clock to¬ 
day, to commence the investment. The gunboats started up at the same hour 
to commence the attack, and engaged the enemy at not over six hundred yards. 
In little over one hour all the batteries were silenced, and the fort surrendered 
at discretion to Flag-Officer Foote, giving us all their guns, camp and garrison 
equipage, etc. The prisoners taken are General Tilghman and staff, Captain 
Taylor and company, and the sick. The garrison, I think, must have com¬ 
menced their retreat last night, or at an early hour this morning. 

“ Had I not felt it an imperative necessity to attack Fort Henry to-day, I 
should have made the investment complete, and delayed until to-morrow, so 
as to secure the garrison. I do not now believe, however, the result would 
have been any more satisfactory. 

“ The gunboats have proven themselves well able to resist a severe can¬ 
nonading. All the iron-clad boats received more or less shots—the flag-ship 
some twenty-eight—without any serious damage to any, except the Essex. 
This vessel received one shot in her boiler that disabled her, killing and 
wounding some thirty-two men, Captain Porter among the wounded. 

“ I remain your obedient servant, 

“ U. S. Grant* Brigadier-General.” 



FORT HENRY. 


45 


General' Tilgliman acknowledged, in the dispatcli wliicli lie 
was permitted to send to General Jolmston at Bowling 
Green, “ tlie courtesies and consideration shown by General 
Grant and Commodore Foote, and the officers under their 
commandbut in his report he was particularly severe upon 
the Confederate authorities for thus leaving him to be the 
victim of a bad military judgment in selecting the post, and 
a want of proper preparations to hold the work? . 

Before giving to this victory its co-ordinate place in the 
vast strategy of the war, let us indulge in a word of comment 


upon the rebel defeat. The Confederate reports are unani¬ 
mous in declaring that the site of Fort Henry was badly 
chosen ; that it was low, easily surrounded, and commanded 
by the ground on the opposite side of the river; and that it 
w r as not calculated by its construction to sustain an attack by 
the fleet. We grant all this, but whose fault was it ? Can 
there be a graver fault in war than this ? It is far worse than 
losing a pitched battle to lose a stronghold, and that strong¬ 
hold a link of the most vital value in a grand chain. Be¬ 
sides, it shows the rapidity and vigor of Grant’s and Foote’s 
movements, that Fort Heiman, on the opposite *side of the 
river, was incomplete and useless. What they thus advance 
as a bar in judgment, or rather to. explain away their defeat 
and depreciate the military character of our success, really 
enhances the credit of Grant and Foote. 

But worse than all that can be said about a faulty location 
of the fort, is the inglorious flight of three thousand and odd 
men, without striking a single blow. They should have made 
reconnoissances from the moment they divined our purpose, 
ambushed the road, contested the landing of the troops, pre¬ 
pared torpedoes that would explode, and, at the least, held 
the fort long enough to give a respectable appearance to the 
defence. Certainly, Fort Henry was not built to surrender in 
an hour and a quarter. It w T as the briefest action, to pre¬ 
cede an honest surrender, of which we have any record in 
the war. 

The rules of military strategy are simple, few, and immuta- 


46 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


ble ; tlieir applications indefinitely and infinitely varied. By 
a rapid application of the simplest rule, the first charmed fine 
was cut, and its tension entirely gone. Buckner, 'who, by 
command of Albert Sydney Johnston, had occupied Bowling 
Green as early as September, 1861, with ten thousand men, 
and who had vaunted its impregnable strength, felt the fall 
of Fort Henry like an electric shock, paralyzing his grasp. 
Bowling Green was no longer tenable; there was but one 
point which was so, and that only for the time, and that was 
Fort Donelson; and so, moving the chief part of his forces 
thither, he left only a rear-guard, which evacuated Bowling 
Green on the 15tli of February. Bowling Green, that para¬ 
gon of complex fortifications, was entered by General Mitch¬ 
ell, of Buell’s column, who made a forced march from Ba¬ 
con’s Creek, and, arriving before he was expected, captured a 
large amount of stores there. Actions are not to be measured 
by the numbers engaged, or by their duration or carnage, but 
by their results. By this strategy Fort Donelson was flanked, 
and the safety of Nashville imminently endangered. 

But yet Fort Donelson was exceedingly strong; its garrison 
and armament were large, and entirely adapted to its propor¬ 
tions ; and it was manifest that the rebels would not abandon 
it without a severe struggle. To this struggle General Grant 
invited them without a moment’s delay. 

In the mean time, immediately after the surrender of Fort 
Henry, Flag-Officer Foote dispatched Lieutenant Command¬ 
ing Phelps, with the gunboats Conestoga, Tyler, and Lexing¬ 
ton, up the Tennessee into Northern Alabama. He destroyed 
the railroad-bridge twenty-five miles above Fort Henry, and 
proceeded up to Florence, at the foot of Muscle Shoals, de¬ 
stroying several steamers and river-craft, and captured a large 
quantity of lumber and stores, and developed the loyal senti¬ 
ments of many of the people. 


Note. —There can be no place more fitting than the close of the record of 
Fort Henry’s surrender, in which to pay our tribute to the brilliant fighting, 
personal gallantry, and rare piety of Commodore, afterwards Rear-Admiral 



FORT HENRY. 


47 


Foote, and since, greatly to his country’s loss, dead, ana gone to a good man’s 
rest. A son of Senator Samuel A. Foote, whose resolution on the public lands 
occasioned the famous passage at arms between Webster and Hayne, in Janu¬ 
ary, 1830, young Foote entered the navy at the age of sixteen, and was known 
in all grades as an excellent and energetic officer. As firsblieutenant of the 
sloop-of-w T ar.John Adams, he took a prominent part in the attack on the Su¬ 
matra pirates in 1838 ; and was noted for the aid and sympathy he extended 
to the American missionaries at Honolulu, when few of our naval officers felt 
any interest in them. He was a strong advocate of total abstinence in the 
navy. In 1852, after a cruise on the coast of Africa, he published a volume 
entitled “ Africa, and the Africans,” in which he exposed the horrors of the 
slave-trade, by illustrations of the manner in which the negroes were packed 
in slave-ships. In 185G, in protecting the property of American citizens at 
Canton, which suffered during the English war, he breached a fort with his 
ship, and then, landing, stormed it, with a loss of forty men out of two hun¬ 
dred and eighty. His record during the war for the Union is brilliant in the 
extreme. He superintended the fitting out of the flotilla on the Mississippi 
and Ohio in 1861-2; took Fort Henry; was further distinguished at Fort Don- 
elson, where he was wounded ; and in the successful operations at Island No. 
10 , which he aided in reducing. His life was devoted to the service of his 
country. In July, 1862, he was created one of the new rear-admirals, on the 
active list; and in June, 1863, while preparing to relieve Admiral Dupont in 
command of the South Atlantic blockading squadron, he died suddenly, and 
was buried in New Haven. Although remarkable for his intelligence and 
tenacity of purpose, he is perhaps more fully characterized as a man of great 
and consistent piety. It was with him a vital principle, constantly displayed. 
He let his light shine, praying, exhorting, preaching; urging all with whom 
he came in contact, with precept upon precept, and, what is far better, alluring 
them by his shining example. His loss was severely felt; but his record was 
so glorious, and his fitness for departure so manifest, that we can “ talk of his 
fate without a sigh,” and thank God for so beautiful an exemplar of the gen-, 
tleman, soldier, sailor, commander, and Christian. 


±8 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


CHAPTEK VI. 

* FORT DONE1SON. 

Reorganization.—Order of march.—McClernand and Smith move.—A glance 

AT THE EORT.—RlVER-FRONT.—LAND APPROACHES.—GARRISON AND COMMANDERS.— 

Assault upon the trenches.—Unsuccessful.—Storm and cold.—Re-enforce¬ 
ments under L. Wallace.—The attack of the gunboats.—Terrible cannon¬ 
ade.—Foote withdraws.—Value of his attack.—Rebel counter-plans.—Our 

RIGHT ATTACKED AND ROLLED BACK.—GRANT’S CONSUMMATE PLAN.— L. WALLACE 
MOVES. 


As Fort Henry was designed to obstruct the navigation of 
the Tennessee, so Fort Donelson was the work upon which 
the rebels depended to seal the Cumberland and to protect 
Nashville. No sooner had the former fallen, than Grant 
made his dispositions to assault the latter. He saw the im¬ 
portance of taking time by the forelock, and confusing the 
already dismayed Confederates by the rapidity of his assault. 
He reorganized his forces, and sent for all available re-enforce¬ 
ments that had been collecting at Cairo. His army was 
formed for this new service into two divisions: the first, 
under Brigadier-General J. A. McClernand, containing three 
brigades, under Colonels Oglesby, W. H. L. Wallace, and 
Morrison; the second, under Brigadier-General Charles F. 
Smith, of three brigades, under Colonels Cook, Lauman, and 
McArthur: a third will appear in our narrative, under 
Brigadier-General Lewis Wallace, to be composed of his 
brigade of Smith’s division, and of forces that were being 
sent forward by General Halleck. With McClemand’s divi¬ 
sion were the field-batteries of Schwartz, Taylor, Dresser, 
and McAllister; and with Smith were the heavy batteries 
of Bichardson, Stone, and Walker; all Smith’s artillery 


FORT DONELSON. 


49 


being under Major Cavender, as chief of artillery. Grant’s 
cavalry consisted of the Fourth Illinois cavalry, with several 
independent companies. The composition of Wallace’s pro- 
visional division will be given hereafter.* 

By Grant’s general field-orders No. 12, of February 11, 
1862, we find the order of march arranged as follows: One 
brigade of Me demand’s division w T as to move by the Tele¬ 
graph road from Fort Henry directly upon Fort Donelson, 
and to halt within two miles of the fort; the other three bri¬ 
gades to march by the Dover Bidge road to within the same 
distance, and then to unite with the first in forming the right 
wing in the complete investment of the fort. 

Two brigades of Smith’s- (second) division were to follow by 
the Dover road, and these were to be followed by the troops who 
had occupied the unfinished Fort Heiman, as soon as they 
could be sent forward. As the force of the enemy was vari¬ 
ously reported, details of the attack could not be given until 
the ground was reached; but Smith was directed to occupy 
Dover, if practicable, and thus to cut off all retreat by the 
river. 

In accordance with these general directions, which were to 
be much modified when they reached the ground, McCler- 
nand and Smith marched across the country from the Ten¬ 
nessee Fiver to the Cumberland, on the morning of February 
12, to attack the works on the land side ; while six regiments, 
which were to constitute a portion of Wallace’s (third) divi¬ 
sion, were moved by transports, accompanied by the gun¬ 
boats, from Smithland up the Cumberland, to join in the 
•movement by an attack on the river-front, or to be disposed 
of as circumstances should afterwards require. In order to 
gain time, the movement was made after very rapid and un¬ 
satisfactory preparation. The gunboats had been overhauled 
in a very hasty manner, to repair the damages received in the 


* General Lewis Wallace belonged to the division of General C. F. Smith, 
and when Grant moved against Fort Donelson he was left in command of 
Forts Henry and Heiman, garrisoned from General Smith’s command. 

3 




50 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


attack on Fort Henry; but, impatient of delay, and perhaps 
determined that they should not again get the start of him, 
and still more cogently, because Grant knew the immense 
value of every minute of time just at this juncture, he pushed 
forward with the two divisions. mentioned, to the siege and 
assault. One of Smith’s brigades had been left at Fort Hen¬ 
ry, as a garris'on, under Lewis Wallace. All boats were de¬ 
flected from the Tennessee to the Cumberland; many others 
had joined the great convoy, and the Union army was con¬ 
verging in all its strength npon Fort Donelson. 

Let us look for a moment at the work to be attacked. This 
stronghold was placed upon a high hill on the left bank of the 
river, where it makes an,abrupt turn from north to west, flow¬ 
ing in the latter direction for about a quarter of a mile, and 
then turning northward again. By this location a large num¬ 
ber of guns could be trained directly down the stream, and 
pour a terrible storm of fire upon the advancing gunboats. 
At the foot of the hill, riverward, were two strong water-bat¬ 
teries, with massive epaulments; the embrasures revetted 

with coffee-sacks filled with sand. The armament of the 

» 

lower, or main battery, consisted of eight tliirty-twos, and one 
ten-incli columbiad; that of the other was one heavy rifled 
gnn, carrying a one hundred and twenty-eight pound bolt, 
and two thirty-two pound carronades. These batteries were 
sunken or excavated in the hill-side. The fort itself was of 
irregular form, its trace following the inequalities of the hill, 
and inclosing nearly one hundred acres. It was flanked by a 
creek or back-water below, which is not generally fordable; 
and just above, a small creek sej^arates it from the town of 
Dover, which is one mile above the fort, on the river-bank. 
It needs but one glance at the map to show that the works 
were exceedingly strong on the river-front. 

We turn to the land approaches. Taking advantage of the 
topography of the field, which presents a conglomerate of hills 
and valleys, knolls and ravines, the rebels had cleared away 
all the timber, which could mask an enemy’s advance, and 
erected field-works defended by artillery and infantry, from 


FORT DONELSON. 


51 


the extreme western angle of the fort, following the southern 
direction of a ridge, and thus presenting a natural flanking 
arrangement of all the parts. Still in front of this extended 
line, encircling the fort and the intrenchment, and the town of 
Dover, was a line of detached rifle-trenches, constructed of logs, 
forming a slight parapet; and in front of the whole was slashed 
timber, as an abatis. It seemed quite as strong on the land¬ 
ward side as on the river-front, and the work before Grant 
appeared still more difficult, when we consider the strength of 
the rebel garrison. 

It consisted of thirteen regiments of Tennessee troops, two 
of Kentucky, six of Mississippi, one of Texas, two of Ala¬ 
bama, four of Virginia, two independent battalions of Ten¬ 
nessee infantry, and Forrest’s brigade of cavalry ; and, besides 
the armament of the fort and water-batteries, six batteries of 
light artillery and seventeen heavy guns. The force, num¬ 
bering at least twenty-one thousand men, was skilfully*dis¬ 
posed ; but the Confederate authorities had erred fatally in 
their choice of commanders. General Floyd, whom the rebels 
should have been more sagacious than to have preferred to 
any office of responsibility and trust, however proper he might 
have been as an aspirant for a post of profit, had been ordered 
by General A. S. Johnston to the command of Fort Donelson, 
and had assumed it, without delay, on the 13tli, the day after 
Grant’s movement had begun. Here at once were fatal ele¬ 
ments ; he was not only a traitor, but he was believed to be a 
dishonest man, and circumstances were to prove him a coward. 
Notwithstanding his preferment to the United States secre¬ 
taryship of war, under Buchanan, it was patent that he knew 
little of military matters; and it was certain that he knew 
nothing whatever of the fort, its topography, or its garrison. 
The- next in rank was General Gideon J. Pillow, whom Floyd 
had assigned to the official command of the rebel left wing, in 
and around Dover. He too had only arrived there on the 
10th, and being by nature as obtuse, and, in spite of some Mexi¬ 
can practice, or rather mal-practice, as ignorant as Floyd, lie 
was of small value as a leader in the defence. The other 


52 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


prominent commanders were Buckner and B. B. Johnson, 
both graduates of West Point, and highly esteemed for intel¬ 
ligence and bravery, when subordinates in our army. Buck¬ 
ner had command of the fort, and the ground in its immediate 
vicinity, while Johnson had a command on the left under Pil¬ 
low. Such briefly was the work, and such the force, moral 
and physical, which General Grant rushed to attack with two 
divisions, not more in all than fifteen thousand men, and with 
a greater proportional weakness in artillery. This was sub-, 
lime hardihood; but it was something more; it was at once 
the impulsion and the intuition of military genius. He knew 
little of the difficult topography, which maps never can ad¬ 
equately tell; but he meant to fight, and to continue fighting, 
and to force the rebels to fight. Time was of priceless value, 
and “ confusion magnifying the foe,” the rebels were deceived, 
as he meant them to be, by his boldness and temerity. 

And now let us return to McClernand and Smith, who, pre¬ 
ceded by the cavalry to clear the front, began their march on 
the morning of the 12tli, from the neighborhood of Port 
Henry. They came within view of the fort by early afternoon, 
without having encountered the enemy, who was stupidly 
caging himself in the intrenchment, instead of coming out 
like a man to beat, or at least retard, Grant’s advancing 
columns. Our generals took up, that night, the positions as¬ 
signed. On the morning of Thursday, the 13tli, the fighting 
began with the dawn, the rebels opening their batteries upon 
our troops, whose positions were disclosed by the advance of 
Birge’s sharp-shooters upon the enemy’s picket line. 

Under this as yet desultory fire, Grant rapidly posted his 
divisions thus : General C. F. Smith on the left, opposite the 
northwest of the fort; and McClernand bn the right, Ogles¬ 
by’s brigade holding the extreme right. The light artillery 
was placed with proper supports upon the various roads, 
while most of the heavy guns, under Major Cavender, were 
directed against the armament of the fort. General Grant’s 
headquarters were at a farm-house, on the Fort Henrv road. 


FORT DONELSON. 


53 


THE ASSAULT UPON THE TRENCHES. 

Tlie first grand act was a furious cannonade on botli sides, 
in wliicli tlie rebel practice was excellent, and our own not 
inferior. This was the herald of our infantry assault. To 
make a lodgment upon their intrenchment, and particularly 
upon an epaulment covering a strong battery in his front, 
General McClernand formed the Forty-eighth Illinois, of Wal¬ 
lace’s brigade, and Morrison’s brigade (consisting of the 
Seventeenth and Forty-ninth Illinois), into a storming column, 
under the command of Colonel Hayne of the Forty-eighth, 
with McAllister’s Battery to cover the assault. The move¬ 
ment was under the superintendence of Col. W. H. Wallace, 
of the Second brigade. They formed at the foot of the hill, 
where they were in some measure protected from the direct 
fire ; and at the word, moved forward, firing as they advanced. 

The attack was not successful; and although they were re¬ 
enforced by the Forty-fifth Illinois, of Wallace’s brigade, and 
other troops, the enemy’s fire was so vigorous, and the abatis 
and palisading presented so strong an obstacle, that they were 
compelled to retire. The position assaulted was defended by 
Colonel Heiman’s rebel brigade, and two other regiments, -> 
with one or more batteries of field artillery.* 

In this, and several other desultory engagements, our losses 
were severe. We were at least in contact with the enemy, 
and had felt his strength ; but there was some danger that he 
might also leam ours. The gunboats and re-enforcements by 
the river were anxiously expected. Without them, we were 
weaker than the enemy ; and our very proximity, while it gave 
prestige, increased our danger. 

We were also in want of rations, and, to cap the climax of 
untoward circumstances, the elements conspired. The un¬ 
usual and deceitful mildness of the morning, like many a false 
harbinger of spring, had suddenly changed to biting cold ; a 


* Pillow’s report. 




54 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


rain-storm from tlie northeast set in, which turned, first to 

hail, and then to sleet. The cold became more intense, tho 
* * 

thermometer rapidly falling to only ten degrees above zero. 
The like, it is' said, had never been known there. Our troops 
had no shelter whatever, and were without rations ; few had 
* blankets and overcoats; some, with the characteristic improv¬ 
idence of new troops, beguiled by the mild weather, and 
thoughtless of future need, had thrown them away. At length 
hail and sleet were followed by a driving snow ; and, but that 
the rebels, who were in the trenches, suffered equally, it would 
have seemed that Boreas had become a rebel sympathizer, 
and was emulating the celestial auger of Juno, against our 
heroes. Several soldiers were frozen. 

It would be difficult for a w r arm, sheltered, and well-fed pen, 
or rather the hand that holds and the brain that impels such, 
to depict the sufferings of that night; the wounded freezing 
to death, and the weary soldiers benumbed by the cold, which 
even vigorous vitality could not dispel. They were seeing 
war for the first time, and they had bitter experience of its 
heat and cold at the same moment. 

The morning of Friday dawned sadly upon these war-worn, 
hungry, freezing men, and brought with it only a new sum¬ 
mons to battle. Still anxiously expecting the gunboats and the 
bulk of Lewis Wallace’s new division by the Cumberland, and 
alive to the immediate hazard of his position, General Grant 
dispatched a courier to General Lewis Wallace himself, at 
Fort Henry, with orders to bring across the garrison which 
had been left there. But no sooner had the messenger been 
sent, than a scout, who had been posted to watch the river 
below, came galloping up to headquarters with the welcome 
intelligence that a boat was just arriving, and a thick cloud 
of smoke announced that the rest of the fleet was below. 
The first boat, the Carondelet, was the herald of the fleet; 
and as soon as she came within long-range, on that terrible 
stretch of the river swept by the concentrated rebel fire, she 
opened upon the water-batteries; and thus, began that des¬ 
perate and unequal battle, in which Commodore Foote was to 


FORT DONELSON. 


engage with only partial success, but with increase of honor 
to himself and the navy. 

Three miles below the fort the troops and the artillery of 
the Third Division were soon landed, with provisions and 
supplies for the whole army ; they had come in the very nick 
of time. Rapidly clearing a road through the woods, they 
were soon placed in line with the First and Second divisions. 
Wallace, being the only general officer without the command 
of a division, was put in command of this Third Division, or¬ 
ganized after the arrival of the re-enforcements. 

These troops, just arrived, together with the garrison left at 
Fort Henry, constituted the Third Division ; it was composed 
of the brigades of Cruft and Thayer,—the former of four, and 
the latter—two brigades united—of seven regiments. Wal¬ 
lace was at once posted in the centre, between Smith and 
McClernand, and McArthur, with two regiments of Smith’s 
division, was posted on the extreme right under McClernand, 
and thus the line was completed. Not much time was spent 
in issuing rations—which gladdened the hearts of our men— 
and ammunition, of which they were in great need, and in 
making proper arrangements for the wounded, who had suf¬ 
fered horrible tortures, when the second act in the drama was 
begun. This was the 

ATTACK OF THE GUNBOATS ON THE RIVER-FRONT. 

The Carondelet opened the unequal fight: she was not long 
unaided. As at Fort Henry, the commodore steamed up with 
his iron-clads—the Pittsburg, St. Louis, Louisville, and Ca¬ 
rondelet in the first line, followed by the wooden boats Cones¬ 
toga, Tyler, and Lexington. The water-batteries first engaged 
his attention : if he could silence and pass them, he could 
take a position in the bend, and would be able to enfilade the 
faces of the fort with broadsides. Until he could do this, 
however, his vessels were exposed to the concentrated fire of 
both batteries, and of the fort, the latter having a most de¬ 
structive plunging, as well as raking, fire upon his decks and 
armor. Under a feu d’cnfer, such as few naval armaments have 


56 


•GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


ever experienced, Foote moved nearer and nearer in a deadly 
struggle. But his guns did excellent service ; tlie upper bat¬ 
tery of four guns was already silenced; tlie shot and shell 
from the heavy guns on the looats had rained upon them for 
two hours, and the boats were lying within four hundred 
yards, perhaps even nearer. Notwithstanding that they had 
not been put in a proper condition for the fight, owing to the 
pressure of time, and that they had suffered very greatly from 
the guns of the work, a few minutes more would have enabled 
them to run by into a position from which they could have 
paralyzed the water-front, when suddenly Foote was forced to 
fall back. The rebel cross and plunging fire had at length dono 
its work effectually : the Louisville was rendered unmanage¬ 
able by a shot which cut away her rudder-chains, and she 
drifted down the narrow and rapid stream, helpless and use 1 - 
less. 

The flag-ship, the St. Louis, had her wheel shot away; the 
pilot, by whose side the Commodore was standing, was killed, 
and Foote himself wounded in the foot by falling timber. 
Bushing to an additional steering apparatus, upon which he 
had depended in such an emergency to keep her up, he found 
that too shot away, and the St. Louis was thus compelled to 
drift down in an equally helpless condition. Fifty-nine shots 
had struck the flag-ship, some of them raking her from stem 
to stern. The Louisville had received thirty-five ; the Caron- 
• delet, twenty-six; and her rifled gun had burst during the 
action. The Pittsburg had been struck twenty-one times. 
The fire of at least twenty guns had been concentrated upon 
the boats, and could only be returned by twelve boat-guns. 

To sum up, two of the iron-clads were unmanageable, the 
other two greatly damaged between wind and water; and 
thus, when on the very verge of victory, the gallant commo-* 
dora, himself drifting powerless, was obliged to make signal 
for all to withdraw, having lost fifty-four killed and wounded. 

After consultation with Grant, Foote returned to Cairo to 
repair the iron-clads, which were seriously damaged, and 
to bring down a competent naval force for a new attack, if 



FORT DONELSON. 


the seige should last long enough to require it: but it did 
not; the end was already, at hand. 

We need hardly enforce upon our readers the fact*that tho 
withdrawal of Commodore Foote was an absolute necessity ; 
he could not continue the action. But the services of the navy 
on that day must not be by any means undervalued. They 
were of the greatest utility : they relieved General Grant from 
all danger of attack, while yet too weak to complete the invest¬ 
ment ; they made a grand diversion in his favor, while he was 
posting his new troops and maturing his plans; and they gave a 
brighter lustre to the gallantry, skill, and endurance of the 
American sailor, of whom the country has always been proud. 
The withdrawal of the fleet after the action on Friday checked 
for a moment, however, the prosecution of the original plans 
of the general. The proper course now seemed to be to wait 
for large re-enforcements, which he knew might be had from 
St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Cairo; to strengthen and perfect 
the investment; and, perhaps, by marching up the river, to 
isolate the w r ork, and starve it into surrender. In the mean 
while, the gunboats could be thoroughly repaired, and return 
to try another attack. Had the rebels now strengthened them 
intrenchments and awaited Grant’s attack, such might have 
been the modus operandi. 

But the rebel counter-plans, formed in a council of war, 
held on Friday night at Floyd’s headquarters, in Dover, de¬ 
termined Grant’s battle tactics in a different manner, and 8 
hurried their own ruin. The council w r as composed of the 
division and brigade commanders, and they unanimously as¬ 
sented to the plan proposed by General Floyd, which was to 
throw an overwhelming force—half his army, with Forrest’s 
cavalry, all under Billow and Johnson—upon our right wing, 
under McClernand; to drive it from the heights overlooking 
the Cumberland, from which there was danger that our bat¬ 
teries would soon sweep and close the river above ; to throw it 
back upon Wallace, while Buckner with the remaining force, 
less the necessary garrison of the fort, should march directly 
upon our encampment in the centre, on the Wynn’s Ferry 

8 * 


58 


GRANT AND II1S CAMPAIGNS. 


road, and attack Wallace in front. If these flank and centre 
attacks should bo successful, Grant’s army would thus be 
thrown back around Smith as a pivot, and then it might be 
easily routed and destroyed. It was a good plan, and par¬ 
tially successful, and yet it was the prelude to their imme¬ 
diate and overwhelming defeat. In case, however, they could 
only partially succeed, the least Floyd expected was to open 
a pathway by which he might evacuate the fort—now very 
like a trap—withdraw his army, and save his precious per¬ 
son ; which, in any event, he meant to do, whatever should 
happen to his troops. Such were Floyd’s plans; they were 
to be tried with the early morning of Saturday, the 15th. 
Accordingly, at five A. M., the rebel column, under Pillow and 
Johnson, moved out from Dover, the advance being taken 
by Colonel Baldwin’s brigade, composed of the First and 
Fourteenth Mississippi and the Twenty-sixth Tennessee. 
These were followed by Wharton’s brigade, of two regiments ; 
McCousland’s, of two; Davidson’s, of three; Drake’s, of five ; 
and other troops, amounting in all to ten thousand men, with 
thirty guns, which were to crush McClernand, and clear a 
pathway through our right. 

McClernand’s troops were thus disposed of: McArthur on 
the right; and then, in order, Oglesby and W. H. L. Wallace. 
McClernand’s left was near the Fort Henry road, on the left 
of which was Cruft’s brigade, of Lewis Wallace’s division. 
c Our hues corresponded to the contour of the rebel intrench- 
ment, and with each brigade was a field-battery. It was well 
posted, and, if on the alert, could certainly repel any rebel 
attack. But, unfortunately, the first attack of the rebels was 
of the nature of a surprise. Beveille was just sounding, the 
troops were not under v arms, and seemed to be in utter igno¬ 
rance of the rebel designs; but it at once became evident 
that our right flank was seriously menaced. The brigade and 
regimental commanders soon got their men into line, and, 
guided by the crack of the rebel rifles and the flashes of then 
guns, executed a partial change of front to meet them. It 
was not a moment too soon, for Pillow had sent his cavalry 


FORT DONELSON. 


59 


to try and strike McArthur’s rear, while he was pounding 
away at his exposed right flank. 

/ 



i 


INVESTMENT OF FORT DONELSON. 


Oglesby and McArthur, with too scant a supply of ammu¬ 
nition for this unexpected battle, stood firm for a while; but 
fresh rebel troops constantly arrived, and had it not been for 
the coolness of the brigade commanders and the inspiring 
valor of Colonel John A. Logan, who commanded the Thirty- 
first Illinois, of Oglesby’s brigade, the attack might have re¬ 
sulted in a panic to our troops. As it was, McArthur and 
Oglesby were obliged to fall back rapidly to avoid being taken 
in rear, and to form a new line facing south. But the rebels 
did not advance with impunity. Our light batteries, admira¬ 
bly handled by McAllister, Taylor, and Dresser, shifting their 
position from time to time, pour in a withering fire of grape 
and canister, and cause the enemy’s front line to recoil again 
and again, until pushed forward, or replaced by the overwhelm¬ 
ing masses in rear. Two regiments of W. II. L. Wallace’s bri¬ 
gade fly to the rescue, while he arranges the others en potence 
on his left, to check Pillow, and yet defend the road. 

Again the rebels move towards the right flank of our new 





GO GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 

line, and again tlie battle rages. Cruft’s brigade, of Lewis 
Wallace’s division, is ordered down upon this flanking column 
at a run. Tlius checked, the enemy might have been driven 
back and pursued, had it not been for a new and unexpected 
foe, or rather the fear of one, swarming from their intrench- 
ments, and passing the rifle-pits like a surge of the sea. 
Buckner’s force came out to attack the left flank and crotchet 
of our new line. As soon as they were discovered, Wallace 
strengthened the flank thus threatened, and two of Taylor’s 
guns, coming rapidly into action, dealt grape and canister on 
his advance. Buckner was easily repulsed, for his attack 
was very feebly delivered, and his troops behaved hi the most 
cowardly manner. When at eleven o’clock Pillow rode over 
to Buckner’s position, he found them huddled under cover,* 
from which it was only after a good deal of artillery firing that 
their general could persuade them to emerge. In speaking of 
the repulse, Buckner says his attacking regiments “ withdrew 
without panic, but in some confusion, to the trenches.” 

But the moral effect of Buckner’s attack was not without 
its value. Beset on all sides, Pillow thundering upon our 
new front, the cavalry threatening our rear, Johnson well ex¬ 
tended upon our right, checked but not driven off by Cruft, 
our men were somewhat demoralized by Buckner’s demon¬ 
stration : many became disheartened ; the fugitives from the 
front became a crowd. A mounted officer galloped down the 
road, shouting, “We are cut to pieces.”! The ammunition 
had given out. Our line, including Cruft, who had borne the 
brunt of the battle for some time, was again forced back. 
Logan, Lawler, and Ransom were wounded; many field-officers 
and large numbers of subalterns killed. The crisis of the 
battle had, indeed, arrived, when General Wallace posted 
Colonel Thayer’s (Third) brigade across the road, formed a 
reserve of three regiments, placed Wood’s Battery in position, 
and awaited the attack. The retiring regiments formed again 
in rear, and were supplied with ammunition. The rebe] 


* Colonel Gilmer’s Report. 


| General L. Wallace’s Report. 




FORT DONELSON. 


61 


attack upon this new line was extremely vigorous ; they had 
delayed for awhile to plunder the dead, and pick np what 
they could find in McClernand’s camp; and Pillow had sent 
back an aid to telegraph to Nashville that, “ on the^ionor of 
a soldier,” the day was theirs. The new attack which ho 
"was about to make was only the finishing stroke. Again ho 
„ moved upon Thayer’s brigade; but, by their unflinching 
stand and deliberate fire, and especially by the firmness of 
the First Nebraska and the excellent handling of the artillery, 
he was now repulsed. 

"Whatever the apparent success of the rebels thus far, in 
driving our right wing, Grant, thoughtful and imperturbable, 
had not been for a moment dismayed. He saw from the very 
desperate nature of the rebel attack that when it culminated, 
they would give w T ay, if he showed a bold front, and ad¬ 
vanced at all points. Hiding to the front at three o’clock, lie 
ordered Lewis Wallace, who had first checked the enemy, to 
advance upon Pillow, and recover the ground lost in the 
morning, while General C. F. Smith should storm the works 
on the enemy’s right. His new plans were rapidly formed, 
and will bear the test of military criticism. 

The column of attack, for the desperate work now under¬ 
taken by General Wallace, was formed of Colonel M. L. 
Smith’s and Colonel Cruft’s brigades, supported by tAvo Ohio 
regiments. Over the rough, rolling, and in parts thickly 
Avooded ground, these troops moved, driving the unwilling 
enemy before them, and only halting Avlien within one hun¬ 
dred and fifty yards of the rebel intrencliments. This was 
at five o’clock! We remained in the position thus gained 
during the intensely cold night, ministering to the Avounded 
of the morning’s battle, with whom the field was thickly 
strewn, and anxious for the morning. At daylight the next 
morning, Thayer’s brigade Avas brought up, and preparations 
were made to storm the intrenchments, when the display of a 
white flag from the fort, followed by others from different 
parts of the works, made them pause. Before going to 
another part of the field, Avliere great deeds were done, avg 



02 GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 

pause for a moment to say, this movement, of Wallace must 
be regarded as having a decided bearing upon the result. 

And now let us return to the left wing. Smith had received 
orders to attack the intrenchments directly in front of the 
fort. His plan was to carry their outer works at the point of 
the bayonet, then to bring up his batteries, and sweep the in¬ 
terior crest, and then to assault and carry the fort. This 
was the grand stroke of the battle ; it w T ould relieve our right, 
and, if successful, would insure the capture. Grant had also 
requested Foote to cause the gunboats to make their appear¬ 
ance again, even if they did not go into action. Two were 
accordingly sent up. 


SMITH’S ATTACK AND THE SURRENDER. 


63 


, ( 


CHAPTEB m 

* 

GENERAL SMITH’S ATTACK AND THE SURRENDER. 

Smith’s columns organized.—Lauman the forlorn hope.—Smith leads.— Ad¬ 
dresses his men.—The lines move.—Smith’s splendid yalor decisive.—Floyd’s 
new council.— He turns over the command.—Pillow looks at the cards, and 
“passes.”—The pusillanimous, flight.—Buckner surrenders.—The corre¬ 
spondence.—Grand results.—Comments.—Eulogy of General C. F. Smith. 

^ •' 

Wallace was already on liis war-patli, as we have just de¬ 
scribed, when General Smith organized his column of attack. 
Cook’s brigade is posted on his left, and is designed to make 
a feint upon the work. Cavender’s heavy guns are posted in 
rear to the right and left, having a cross-fire upon the in- 
trenchments, and also playing upon the fort; but the attack¬ 
ing force—the forlorn hope—is Lauman’s brigade, formed in 
close column of regiments, and composed of the Second Iowa, 
the Fifty-second Indiana (temporarily attached), the Twenty- 
fifth Indiana, Seventh Iowa, and Fourteenth Iowa. 

Cook’s feigned attack is already begun; Cavender’s guns 
are thundering away. It is nearly sunset, when Smith, hear¬ 
ing Wallace’s guns far to the right, puts himself at the head 
of Lauman’s brigade, and climbing the steep hill-side, bursts 
upon the ridge on which the enemy has constructed his outer 
works. Before advancing, and when the force was just in read¬ 
iness to move, Smith had ridden along the line, and in few 
but emphatic words had told them the duty they were to per¬ 
form. He said that he would lead them, and that the pits 
must be taken by the bayonet alone. Perhaps during the 
whole war, full as it is of brilliant actions, there is none more 
striking than this charge. 

At the given signal, the lines are put in motion, Smith rid- 


(54 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS 


Ing in advance, with tlie color-bearer alongside of him; ins 
commanding figure, gray hair, and haughty contempt of dan¬ 
ger, acting upon liis men like the white plume of Navarre at 
Ivry. Not far has he moved before his ffont fine is swept by 
the enemy’s artillery with murderous effect. His men waver 
for a moment, but their general, sublime in his valor, remind s 
tiiem, in caustic words, that while he, as an old regular , is in the 
line of his professional duty, this is what they have volunteered 
to do. With oaths and urgency, his hat waving upon the point 
of his sword, by the splendor of his example he leads them on 
through this valley of death, up the slope, through the abatis, 
up to the retrenchment—and over. With a thousand shouts, 
they plant their standards on the captured works, and pour in 
volley after volley, before which the rebels fly in precipitate 
terror. Battery after battery is brought forward, Stone’s ar¬ 
riving first, and then a direct and enfilading fire is poured 
upon the flanks and faces of the work. Four hundred of 
Smith’s gallant column have fallen, but the charge is decisive. 
Grant’s tactics and Smith’s splendid valor have won the 
day. 

For thus the matter stands : Wallace has held his advrmced 
ground, and is now informed of Smith’s success. At all points 
the rebels are driven back, and at two, their advanced in- 
trencliments are occupied or commanded. How different 
from the aspect of things in the morning, when Pillow had 
telegraphed to Nashville that he had won the day! And yet 
there was a logical connection between the morning and the 
evening. They formed but parts of a concerted whole, of a 
plan not intelligible to the division commanders, who had 
not been able, like General Grant, to appreciate the whole 
field, and to sum the varied issues of the battle. To most of 
the subordinate commanders, and certainly to the greater 
number of the men, up to the decisive moment, the enemy 
seemed to have a great and growing advantage; but to Grant 
it was not so. The very vigor of the enemy’s attack was a 
surge which he was sure would soon find its refluence; and, 
bv their massing of - troops on our right and centre, Grant’s 


SMITH’S ATTACK AND THE SURRENDER. 


65 


counter movement conducted by Smith, was rendered feasible, 
and the-result sure. Thus when night fell, on the 15th, the 
victory was certain. Holding the advanced points thus se¬ 
cured, and re-enforcing them strongly, Grant only awaited the 
morning to storm the work. 

During that cold night, for the most part without food, and 
entirely without fire, our devoted men awaited the dawn with 
unabated ardor. Success had inspired enthusiasm; and the 
promise of complete victory in the morning compensated for 
their physical sufferings. They would have fought the next 
day with irresistible ardor. 

But if our men were now exultant, the tables were com¬ 
pletely turned ; the rebels were completely disheartened; the 
officers more so than the men, and the generals more so than 
their subordinates. It is a sorry chapter in the history of 
war. They no longer thought of fighting, but of escape or 
surrender. Again a council of war was called that night at 
General Floyd’s headquarters, and in it was displayed a scene 
which no soldier likes to portray, even if his enemy be the 
dramatis persona —a scene in which imbecility, ignorance, and 
cowardice played the prominent parts. Amid much crimina¬ 
tion and recrimination* one opinion seemed to have a large 
majority in its favor : the army must escape, or the place and 
its garrison be surrendered. Floyd, in great terror, lest after 
his treason and embezzlements while United States secretary 
of war, he should come into our hands and meet with sum¬ 
mary retribution, in the clutches of a furious soldiery, 
declared that he would not fall into our power; that 
he would sooner die than surrender. He seems to have 
had little concern for the army, but partly perhaps from 
qualms of conscience, and partly that he wanted a large 
escort, he proposed to cut his way out with his own brigade 
of Virginia troops—a nice illustration of the State-rights’ 
principle, which even the Confederates did not appreciate. 

Pillow, par nobile fratrnm , second in command, emulated the 
virtues of his chief. Vain, foolish, ignorant, during the Mexi¬ 
can War, this was his Confederate coup d'essai , and he did not 


66 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


disappoint his old acquaintances. He displayed a similar want 
of military savoir and principle. * 

It is true, as might be expected, that there is some casuistry 
in his report, to show that he wanted to fight longer; and it/ 
is equally true, that after he had written his report, lest the 
world should not believe him, he did a thing unheard of be¬ 
fore, he got the affidavits of his aids, and other officers, that 
what he had said was true—sharp practice, which he brought 
with him from his lawyer’s desk. 

It is also true, that when the noble pah had completed their 
arrangements for flight, Pillow told Floyd, not without some 
chuckling, that there were no two men in the Confederacy the 
Federals would rather get into their hands; whereas, in real¬ 
ity, there were no two more anxious to keep out of them. 

All this is very sickening; it savors of low comedy of the 
lowest type. We now turn to Buckner, the third in rank, and 
the only one of the three having any pretensions to soldier¬ 
ship. He at least was a soldier; and because of this, he was 
to be made the scapegoat, and to suffer, in part at least, a 
vicarious confinement at Fort Warren. His West Point ante¬ 
cedents compelled him to remain and surrender the now tho¬ 
roughly demoralized forces ; and if he could not avert, at least 
to share their fate. In the entire record of the war there is 
no meaner page than this. Floyd made over the command to 
Pillow; who, like a player at cards, “ promptly passed it” to 
Buckner; and then these two men, who had before disgraced 
the name of American, now disgraced the name of soldier, by 
deserting their post and them soldiers, and sneaking away un¬ 
der cover of night. In order to join and aid Floyd, as Buck¬ 
ner thought, Colonel Forrest was ordered to cut his way out 
with the cavalry; but Floyd, embarking such portion of the 
Virginia brigade as he could hastily collect, upon two small 
steamers, at the Dover landing, under cover of a guard to 
check the frantic attempts of others to get on board, and amid 
the execrations and hisses of thousands collected on the wharf, 
pushed off and fled to Nashville! Pillow escaped on a hand- 
flat, and Forrest, with one thousand cavalry, waded over to the 



SMITH’S ATTACK AND THE SURRENDER. 


67 


south of the fort. We wonder greatly that a man of the soldier¬ 
ly character of Albert Sidney Johnston should have stooped to 
whitewash them, by declaring that, although “ the command 
was irregularly transferred,” it was “not apparently to avoid 
any just responsibility, or from any personal or moral intre¬ 
pidity.” That not must have given him some trouble to write. 

Buckner’s course was soon taken; indeed his troops were 
in such confusion that no other was left him. At the earliest 
dawn he sent a bugler to sound a parley, and with him an of¬ 
ficer bearing a white flag. Dimly discerned in the twilight, 
and challenged by the picket, the officer announced himself as 
the bearer of a letter from Buckner to General Grant. The 

t 

letter was at once taken to the headquarters. A white flag 
displayed upon the fort at the same time, informed the army 
that a capitulation was proposed. Buckner’s letter* asked for 
the appointment of commissioners to settle upon terms of ca¬ 
pitulation, to which end he requested an armistice till noon. 
Grant read the letter, and without a moment’s hesitation 
penned a reply which has become historic.t “ No terms,” he 
wrote, “ other than an unconditional and immediate surren¬ 
der can be accepted. I propose to move immediately upon 
your works.” 

* Headquarters, Fort Donelson, February 16, 1862. 

Sir —In consideration of all tlie circumstances governing the present situa¬ 
tion of affairs at this station, I propose to the commanding officer of the Fed¬ 
eral forces the appointment of commissioners to agree upon terms of capitula¬ 
tion of the forces and fort under my command, and in that view suggest an 
armistice until twelve o’clock to-day. 

I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

S. B. Buckner, Brigadier-General C. S. A. 

„ t Headquarters Army in the Field, 

Camp near Donelson, Feb. 16, 1862. 

To General S. B. Buckner, Confederate Army: 

Yours of this date, proposing an armistice and appointment of commissioners 
to settle terms of capitulation, is just received. No terms other than an uncow- 
ditional and immediate surrender can he accepted. 1 propose to move immedi¬ 
ately upon your works. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

U. S. Grant, Brigadier-General U. S. A., commanding. 




68 GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 

If we do make some allowance for Buckner’s chagrin, it 
would be hard to palliate the unmilitary character of his re¬ 
ply to Grant’s note.* Why should “ the brilliant success of 
the Confederate arms yesterday” affect Grant, except to make 
him the more strenuous to give them no further chance ? In 
what respect were his terms “ ungenerous and unchivalrous ?” 
They were rebels in arms; he had come there to destroy them, 
and to occupy their works ; and, besides, Buckner’s immediate 
acceptance of the terms proposed was strangely inconsistent 
with the charge against Grant. The surrender was immediate 
and unconditional. The work was given up, with thirteen 
thousand five hundred men as prisoners of war, three thou¬ 
sand horses, forty-eight field-pieces, seventeen heavy guns, 
twenty thousand muskets, and an immense quantity of stores.f 
Two regiments of Tennessee troops, numbering fourteen hun¬ 
dred and seventy-five, came up to re-enforce Donelson on the 
day after the capitulation, and were taken prisoners, greatly 
to their surprise. This is in itself a comment upon the dis¬ 
graceful character of the capitulation. It took the Confed¬ 
eracy by surprise. 

Thus the rupture of the rebel strategic line was completed, 
and the Cumberland and Tennessee opened to our armies. 
Thus, moreover, in the midst of our disasters, delays, incerti¬ 
tude, and imbecility, we had at length a bright prospect of a 


* February, 16 , 1862 . 

To Brigadier-General U. S. Grant, JJ. 8. A.: 

Sir —The distribution of the forces under my command, incident to an unex 
pected change of commanders, and the overwhelming force under your com 
mand, compel me, notwithstanding the brilliant success of the Confederate 
arms yesterday, to accept the ungenerous and unchivalrous terms which you 
propose. 

I am, sir, your very obedient servant, ■ 

S. B. Buckner, Brigadier-General C. S. A. 

f We quote the number from Pollard, who seems, however, to have forgot¬ 
ten that he had said before in his narrati ve that they had only thirteen thou¬ 
sand troops in all. What account does he make of the losses in battle, and of 
those who fled with Floyd and Forrest ? 



SMITH’S ATTACK AND THE SURRENDER. 


69 


commander, only as yot a subordinate, indeed, but one who 
could both plan and fight; and who, when others should fail, 
might be relied on,, as he has since proved himself, the hope 
of the army, and the prop of the country. It was proved, 
also, that our troops were possessed of valor, dash, and forti¬ 
tude. “For four successive nights, without shelter, during 
the most inclement weather known in that latitude, they had 
faced an enemy in large force, in a position chosen by him¬ 
self,” and had “ secured the greatest number of prisoners of 
war (up to that time) ever taken in battle on this continent.” 
These are the words of General Grant’s order announcing the 
victory. The confession of the rebels is no less strong. “ The 
display of courage,” says Pollard, “ on the part of the Federal 
troops was unquestionable, . . . and many of our officers 

did not hesitate to express the opinion that the Western 
troops, particularly from Southern Illinois, Minnesota, and 
[owa, were as good fighting material as there was to be 
lound on the continent.”* We are content, although he 
vents his spleen in the same paragraph against the Eastern 
troops. 

We regret, even in an abstract military point of view, not 
to be able to return his compliment. The comments of mili¬ 
tary criticism must be entirely unfavorable to the Confederate 
army in this series of actions. When Grant first accosted the 
work, he was in weaker force than they absolutely, and emi¬ 
nently so when we consider the proportion established b/ 
military science between an army holding strong works and a 
force of besiegers. 

It is no after-thought, based upon later knowledge, which 
leads us to say that they should have gone forth to meet his 
advancing column from Fort Henry, and delivered a fierce 
battle, so as, at least, to cripple him, and keep him for a time 
from coming to the siege. Secondly: when he had come up, 
with Smith and McClernand alone, they should have sallied 
from the entire line of their intrenchments, and driven him 


* Pollard, First Year, 246. 



70 


GRANT’ AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


back; not waiting for Wallace to come up and re-enforce him. 
And finally, even after- tlie defection of Floyd and Pillow, 
Buckner should have fought to the last. His thirteen thou¬ 
sand men, with the re-enforcements that were coming, should 
surely have held that army at bay, or, at least, have made a 
more valiant fight before surrender. But the morale in war, 
like the imagination of man, scorns all rales ; and Buckner’s 
conduct, which he defends on the score of humanity,—declar¬ 
ing that three-fourths of his army would be* cut to pieces if he 
should attempt to evacuate,—is only really explicable if w r o 
believe that his men, deserted by their commanders, would 
not fight, and .that numbers, had they been doubled, were 
utterly valueless in such a case. We have a better opinion of 
Buckner than to be content with his own excuse ; if his men 
would have fought, Buckner would have led them : there was 
no more fight in them. 

The news of the Fort Donelson victory—anxiously hoped 
for, though but tremblingly expected—flashed in telegraphic 
lightnings over the land,* and intoxicated the loyal but almost 
despairing people with joy. The great cities were illuminated, 
in public buildings and private residences alike; and waving 
flags from every house attested the almost uniyersal senti¬ 
ment. National salutes echoed to each other from pities, and 
forts, and armies; Grant’s name was on every lip ; and the 
least the Government could do it did, by making him a Major- 
General of Volunteers, to date from the day of the surrender. 


* Cairo, February 17, 1862. 

To Major-General McClellan : 

The Union, flag floats over Fort Donelson. The Carondelet, Captain Walke, 
brings the glorious intelligence. 

The fort surrendered at nine o’clock yesterday (Sunday) morning. General 
Buckner and about fifteen thousand prisoners, and a large amount of material 
of war, are the trophies of the victory. Loss heavy on both sides. 

Floyd, the thief, stole away during the night previous with five thousand 
men, and is denounced by the rebels as a traitor. I am happy to inform you 
that Flag-officer Foote, though suffering with his foot, with the noble charac¬ 
teristic of our navy, notwithstanding his disability, will take up immediately 
two gunboats, and with the eight mortar-boats, which he will overtake, will 




SMITH’S ATTACK AND THE SURRENDER. 71 

His order tells tlie story remarkably well.* * He was to move 
forward without delay to still greater triumphs. 

Without the slightest disparagement to any of the bravo 
commanders in that siege, it is our duty and our pleasure to 
make especial mention of him who, next to General Grant, was 
the hero of Fort Donelson—General Charles Ferguson Smith, 
the leader of the assault on the rebel right, which decided the 
fortune of the day. 

It is the more his due, because this gallant, veteran soldier 
died soon after, at the opening of a new and what promised 
to be a most brilliant chapter in his life ; and, in watching the 
progress of our living heroes, it is the tendency of human 
nature to forget the honor due the dead. The more perfect 


make an immediate attack on Clarksville, if the state of the weather will per¬ 
mit. We are now firing a national salute from Fort Cairo, General Grant’s 
late post, in honor of the glorious achievement. 

[Signed] • Geo. W. Cullum, 

Brig.-Gen. Vols. and U. S. A., and Chief of Staff and Engineers. 

* General Orders, No. 2. 

Headquarters District of West Tennessee, 
Fort Donelson, February 17, 1862.^ 

The general commanding takes great pleasure in congratulating the troops 
of this command for the triumph over rebellion, gained by their valor, on the 
thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth instant. 

For four successive nights, without shelter, during the most inclement 
weather known in this latitude, they faced an enemy in large force, in a posi¬ 
tion chosen by himself. Though strongly fortified by nature, all the additional 
safeguards suggested by science were added. Without a murmur this was 
borne, prepared at all times to receive an attack, and, with continuous skir¬ 
mishing by day, resulting ultimately in forcing the enemy to surrender with¬ 
out conditions. 

The victory achieved is not only great in the effect it will have in breaking- 
down rebellion, but has secured the greatest number of prisoners of war ever 
taken in any battle on this continent. 

Fort Donelson will hereafter be marked in capitals on the map of our 
united country, and the men who fought the battle will live in the memory oi 
a grateful people. 

By order, 


U. S. Grant, Brig.-Gen. commanding. 



72 


0 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


beau ideal of a soldier never existed in any army than was 
General Smith. We do not design to give a record of his life, 
nor to pen an adequate eulogimn. 

The son of a surgeon in the army, he was early imbued with 
the military spirit. He graduated at the Military Academy 
in 1825 ; and from 1829 to 1842 he was on duty there as 
assistant instructor of tactics, adjutant, and finally as com¬ 
mandant of cadets. The author’s recollection of him as com¬ 
mandant is of a model soldier—a daily example to the cadets 
of splendid dignity, great manliness, and magnificent personal 
appearance. We all feared him, but thoroughly respected 
him; and we believe no commandant ever accomplished as 
much for the discipline of the corps as he did. He was one 
of the marked men in the army. No one was astonished at 
his splendid conduct in Mexico. In the battles of the valley, 
he commanded a fight battalion of picked men ; and he was 
so distinguished that he received three brevets—as major, 
lieutenant-colonel, and colonel. 

At the outbreak of the rebellion he fell, for a short time, 
under the displeasure of the Government, for reasons never 
divulged, and was not made a brigadier-general until August, 
1861; but, opportunity once offered him, the beauty and valor 
of his charge at Honelson, under the discriminating eye of 
Grant, who had formerly been his pupil, won for him imme¬ 
diately an appointment as major-general. 

Pending the battle of Pittsburg Landing, he was lying sick 
at Savannah, Tennessee, where he died on the 25th of April. 
An accomplished general; a superb soldier ; a dignified and 
punctiliously honorable gentleman ; a splendid specimen of a 
man ;—such is an epitome of his record, made with melan¬ 
choly but grateful pleasure by one of his admiring pupils, who 
owes to his instruction far more than such a slight acknow¬ 
ledgment can repay. 


Note.— Notwithstanding the bitter rebel spirit which pervades Pollard’s 
work, I desire to say that it is, in many cases, very fair and just. He certainly 
is not afraid to criticise his own people ; and in his “ Chronology of the War,” 


SMITH S ATTACK AND THE SURRENDER. 


73 


ho always calls a Confederate defeat by its right name—seldom inadvertently 
naming it a victory. * 

I liave waded with patience and weariness through the shallow and turbid 
waters of the official Confederate reports, finding little that is worth reprodu¬ 
cing in the narrative. Those of Floyd and Pillow are examples of special plead¬ 
ing to cover their base desertion. That of Buckner is a succinct account of his 
straits; not without sneers, both designed and unconscious, at liis superiors, 
who, when they had surrendered the command, asked to be permitted to with¬ 
draw their troops. The most useful is that of Lieutenant-Colonel Gilmer, late an 
officer of our engineers, and chief-engineer of Johnston’s rebel army,—from 
which I have taken some details as authentic. The report of Major William 
Brown, of the Twentieth Mississippi, is the boldest in the denunciation of 
“ seniors, who endeavor to escape by throwing the responsibility upon juniors.” 


4 


74 


GRANT AN2) HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


/ 


* 



CHAPTER VIII. 

PREPARATIONS FOR A NEW ADVANCE. 


Grant’s enlarged command.—General Buell co-operates with IIalleck.— Ad¬ 
ministration.—Discipline, JUSTICE, HUMANITY.—NASHVILLE FALLS.—SURPRISE OF 

the people.—A. S. Johnston retires to Murfreesboro’.—The ascent of the 
Tennessee.—Corinth threatened.—Island No. 10 —Seals the river.—The 
position described.—Pope takes New Madrid.—General Mackall and tiie 
American Thermopylae.—Schuyler Hamilton’s canal.—The capture and 
rout. 

Grant’s sphere of action was at once enlarged. By an 
order of General Halleck, bearing date of February 14, 1862, 
he had been assigned to the new district of West Tennessee, 
embracing the territory from Cairo, between the Mississippi 
and Cumberland rivers, to the Mississippi border, with his 
headquarters in the field. Moving his army by the west bank 
of the Cumberland, he co-operated with the gunboats in their 
ascent of the river, under Commodore Foote. 

When General Halleck had been assigned, in the November 
preceding, to the Department of the Missouri, the Department 
of the Ohio had been confided to Brigadier-General Don 
Carlos Buell. His command comprised the States of Ohio, 
Michigan, Indiana, that portion of Kentucky east of the 
Cumberland, and the State of Tennessee. Portions of these 
two armies, thus divided by the Cumberland, were soon to 
come together, and form a combination against the enemy. 
In the mean time, however, Clarksville, on the east bank of 
the Cumberland, was evacuated by the enemy, and occupied 
by our forces on the 20th of February,—large quantities of 
stores being found there. The gunboats were then pushed on 
towards Nashville. The rebels were, in great haste, seeking a 


PREPARATIONS FOR A NEW ADVANCE. 


75 


new line ; and it was of vast importance so to hurry them, 
that they should find this a difficult or troublesome task. 

Grant’s administration of his new district was energetic, 
and his preparations for a new advance were rapidly made. 
He established martial law over West Tennessee ; and ordered 
that “ Tennessee, by her rebellion, having ignored all laws of 
the United States, no courts will be allowed to act under 
State authority ; but all cases coming within reach of the mil¬ 
itary arm will be adjudicated by the authorities the Govern¬ 
ment has established within the State.” To guard against all 
license in the conduct of his troops, he republished General 
Halleck’s order, that they should “let no excesses on their 
part tarnish the glory of their army.” The course of justice 
was tempered with humanity ; and when it was necessary to 
take supplies and subsistence for his troops from citizens, ho 
ordered that the demands should be as light as possible,—so 
distributed as to produce no distress, and in every case re¬ 
ceipted for. Justice and consideration to citizens not in arms, 
and succor to the poor, when oppressed by Union men or 
rebels, have always been his rule,—a course of action prompted 
by principle, and never intermitted on account of public 
opinion or political pressure. 

Nashville, where Johnston had only remained to await the 
issue of the fighting at Donelson, was abandoned as soon as 
that fortress fell, and was occupied on Sunday evening, Feb¬ 
ruary 23d, by Colonel Kennet, of the Fourth Ohio cavalry, of 
General O. M. Mitchell’s division.* On the 3d of March, Co¬ 
lumbus, the second Gibraltar of the West (Bowling Green was 
the first, and Vicksburg was to be the third), fell before the 
strategy of Halleck and Buell, and the splendid battle tactics 
of Grant. Fort Henry was the first act in the process of 
destruction: Fort Donelson dealt an additional blow to the 
tottering ruin. 

The fall of Nashville was a terrible blow. The rebel his- 


* The surrender is publicly believed to have been made to General Nelson, 
but that officer did not arrive with his division until three days after. 




76 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


torian compares tlie effect to tlie sliock of an earthquake, 
when the congregations in the churches heard that the Fed-- 
erals were coming.* The people had been entirely deceived, 
or lulled into security. No one anticipated such a fate. 

Johnston moved with his main body to Murfreesboro’, leav-. 
ing to Floyd and Forrest (who had just “ retreated” from 
Donelson) the duty of removing or destroying the supplies; 
w r hile a mob, ravenous for spoils, “ secured and secreted gov¬ 
ernment stores enough to open respectable groceries.” The 
evacuation of Columbus, also, was a great blow to them, and 
a great acquisition to us; but it was a military necessity—a 
sequence in the inexorable logic of the war. The works 
were of immense strength, consisting of tier on tier of bat¬ 
teries on the river-front, and a strong parapet and ditch, 
crossed by a thick abatis, on the land side,f and a vast chain, 
to stop the passage of the Mississippi. 

The fleet was now withdrawn down the Cumberland, and a 
portion of it sent up the Tennessee, over the ground already 
so adventurously reconnoitred by the expedition of Lieutenant- 
Commander Phelps. That river General Halleck designed to 
be a most important line of operations for Grant’s army; and 
Grant was putting out his antenna? to feel his way to the ter¬ 
rible battle-field of Pittsburg Landing. Making his temporary 
headquarters at Fort Henry,—where, indeed, he was detained 
by department orders, for .causes not publicly divulged,he 
began a new organization of his forces, for this still more 
difficult campaign. The troops, as they came up from every 
direction, were -pushed forward as rapidly as possible, under 
General C. F. Smith, to Savannah, about twenty miles from 
the Mississippi line, and to other adjacent points ; and as they 
moved forward, it was evident to the Confederates that their 
great route of communication from east to west, by the Mem¬ 
phis and Charleston Railroad, was threatenedr* This road 
crosses the Mobile and Ohio Railroad at the little village of 
Corinth ; and the junction there was seen at a glance, by the 


* Pollard, First Year of tlie War, p. 246. f General Cullum’s dispatcli. 

X See note at end of tlie chapter. 



PREPARATIONS FOR A NEW ADVANCE. 


77 


generals of both armies, to be a point of great strategic 
importance. Grant was marching down to attack or hank it, 
and cnt the railroad ; and the rebels, with wise foresight, and 
praiseworthy valor,—a different spirit from that displayed at 
Fort Henry and Fort Donelson,—determined to hazard a 
battle, and strike a stunning blow in its defence, at some dis¬ 
tance north of it, on the Tennessee. For once they had good 
generals—“ foemen worthy the steel” of Grant—men who, in a 
just cause, would have gained immortal renown. 

ISLAND NO. 10. 

Before, however, attempting a delineation of the great 
battle of Pittsburg Landing, we must return for a brief space 
to the Mississippi Fiver, which, having been for a time effect¬ 
ually barred by the fortifications of Columbus, needed a new 
seal and barrier, when, on the 3d of March, those works were 
dismantled and abandoned by General Polk. That fiery pre¬ 
late had been directed to “ select a defensive position below 
and, moving his forces to the river, had, by the aid of his en¬ 
gineers, arranged strong defences at Island No. 10, the mam 
land in Madrid bend, and at the town of New Madrid.* 

This was part of a concerted plan ; Johnston was moving 
southward by the left bank of the Tennessee to defend Mem¬ 
phis, where strong works were erected. Vicksburg, with its 
river-knot in front, was strong by nature, and also fortified by 
the engineer’s art. New Orleans was, to all seeming, in rebel 
possession until “ the crack of doom,” and the forts below it 
seemed to preclude approach from the Gulf. 

Among the most loyal men there were many who doubted 
the practicability of clearing the Mississippi; and until that 
should be done, all doubted the downfall of the rebellion. 
The Father of Waters had submitted to the rebel chain, and 
there was no patriot sword or battle-axe which could strike off 


* The principal islands in the Mississippi, beginning just below the mouth 
of the Ohio, are numbered down the river. Island No. 1 lies just below Cairo. 




73 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


the accursed links. It was a gigantic task, for wliicli neither 
wor km an nor implements seemed to have been jet found. 

Island No. 10 is about forty-five miles below Columbus. It 
lies nearly in mid-channel, and is about a mile long and a half 
mile in breadth at its widest part. Its armament consisted 
principally of four heavy batteries on the island, sweeping the 
main channel, and seven on the Kentucky and Tennessee 
shores, most of the guns having been brought from Colum¬ 
bus. To define its situation a little more clearly, the river, 
which above it flows westward, makes a bend to the south; 
then to the west and north, in which is the island; and again, 
eight miles below, a turn to the south, on which, upon the 
right bank, is New Madrid. Point Pleasant is a village on 
the right bank, about ten miles below New Madrid ; while Tip- 
tonville is on the opposite bank, a short distance below Point 
Pleasant. The double bend, in the form of an irregular and 
inverted S, with the island and the town at the extreme points^ 
with peninsulas thus formed, cutting off in the one case nine 
miles, and in the other twenty, seems exactly formed to take 
the eye of the strategist and engineer. 

The works on the island, and the supporting batteries on 
the left bank, having been completed, the old Pelican dock of 
New Orleans was brought up, armored, and converted into a 
floating battery; the rebel gunboats nestled under the bat¬ 
teries ; forts were erected at New Madrid, and the entire de¬ 
fences of Island No. 10 were declared to be very strong—at 
least, a sort of semi-Gibraltar. 

It mattered little to the Confederacy that General John 
Pope was dispatched against them; and, even when he had 
captured Point Pleasant, they felt little concern. They were 
still more exultant when the nine hours’ bombardment by Flag- 
Officer Foote failed of results. He had, in order to test the 
strength of the works, moved down with a fleet, consisting of 
five gunboats and four mortar-boats, from Hickman, twenty 
miles above, and his bombardment had seemed to produce no 
effect. 

Pope’s first essay was to take New Madrid; and this he sue- 


PREPARATIONS FOR A NEW ADVANCE. 


70 


ceeded in doing, notwithstanding the efforts of Commodore 
Hollins with the rebel gunboats to prevent him. Thus, while 
Foote was coming down to try the defences above, he received 
information from Pope that, under fire of his siege-guns, the 
enemy had evacuated the town, that the river was closed be¬ 
low, and that there was no escape for the garrison by water. 
The first act was done, and well done. 

But, although shut up by water, the garrison was strong, 
the works numerous and powerful, and the island would seal 
the river for us, until they should be reduced. 

The rebel force consisted, of about eight thousand men, 
commanded by Brigadier-General W. W. Mackall, who had 
assumed command on the 5tli of March,—so much a stranger 
to his own troops, that he deemed it necessary to rest his 
merits hi their eyes upon the fact that he was “ a general 
made by Bragg and Beauregard.” He was a graduate of West 
Point, and, as an assistant adjutant-general in our service, 
had been esteemed a good officer; but he promised too much 
at the island, and failed. His promises and his energy, how¬ 
ever, had given new hope to the Confederacy. They con¬ 
sidered us checkmated in the river game : at the least, it was 
to be “ an American Thermopylae.” The rebel generals were 
fond of Grecian and Boman precedents, but the comparison 
was never complete. 

Although thus hemmed in by Pope’s army on the south, 
and the gunboats on the north, they would, however, have 
kept the river sealed against us for some time, had it not been 
for a plan conceived by General Schuyler Hamilton, who 
commanded a division in Pope’s army. 

The overflow in the river-bottom rendered it impossible for 
Pope to march his troops from New Madrid to the vicinity of 
the Union gunboats, and he had no transports to carry them 
across to any point south of the island. Could that passage 
be made, the strong works would be taken in rear by a land 
force, and must fall. 

Hamilton’s suggestion was this : to cut a navigable passage 
across the peninsula above New Madrid, by which to float the 


80 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


transports across. Tliis herculean task was at once executed, 
and with perfect success. 

In nineteen days our army had completed a canal twelve 
miles long, and fifty feet wide, a portion of it through heavy 
timber, which had to be sawed off four and a half feet under 
water by the hand. The work was done under the superin¬ 
tendence of Colonel J. W. Bissell, with his engineer regiment. 
The passage was pronounced ready, Foote again engaged the 
enemy, and while one gunboat was attracting, or rather dis¬ 
tracting, the attention of Fucker’s Battery, the Carondelet 
slipped past them all, and ran down to New Madrid. This 
was on the night of the 4th of April. On the 6th, at 
nightfall, the Pittsburg likewise ran the batteries, not without 
some damage ; and, on the same night, a fleet of steamboats 
and transport barges came through the canal, took on our 
troops at New Madrid, carried them over to the Ten¬ 
nessee shore, and the impregnable works fell like the 
walls of Jericho. Where now was their boasted strength ? 
Would they immortalize their American Thermopylae ? Alas, 
for their vain-glorying! There was no intrepidity, no 
dignity; the scene was pitiable in the extreme. They 
had shown great skiff in putting themselves into traps: 
the attempt to escape was panic, confusion, utter imbe¬ 
cility. One hundred and twenty-four guns were taken, 
most of them uninjured. The attempt at spiking, by the 
hands of those eager to fly, was an entire failure. Their 
boats, not effectually scuttled, were most of them recovered 
by our men. The floating-battery was true to her name ; 
although scuttled, she would not sink, but was found high and 
dry near Point Pleasant, and was immediately put in com¬ 
mission, as chief of the United States nondescripts. The 
number of prisoners actually accounted for at the surrender 
was not more than three thousand, but hundreds upon hun¬ 
dreds of starving wretches wandered among the swamps in 
their efforts to escape, most of whom fell into our hands, and 
were glad at the last to escape starvation on the terms of im¬ 
prisonment or parole. 


PREPARATIONS FOR A NEW ADVANCE. 


81 


Again liad the soldiers of tlie Confederacy been duped by 
tlieir leaders; again had the people been beguiled into false 
security. A glance at the map will show to any military eye, 
that Island No. 10 w r as only a temporary expedient. Strong 
as an isolated point, it could be flanked, stirrounded, perfectly 
invested, and then its very isolation made it a cage. Its fall 
was certain ; and the value of their boasted strategy is indi¬ 
cated, when we remember that Polk evacuated Columbus on 
the 3d of March ; Mackall took command of the island de¬ 
fences on the 5th ; and just one day over a month—that is, on 
the 6tli of April—our transports were going down to New 
Madrid. The formal surrender was made on the 8th. 

Although General Grant had no immediate connection with 
these operations, we have dwelt upon them as forming a part 
of the great problem, a knowledge of which is needed to en¬ 
able us to take in the entire scope of action. And now, after 
this glance at the collateral and contemporaneous movements 
by Pope, let us return to Grant. 


Note.— After tlie battle of Fort Donelson, Grant bad gone (Feb. 26) to Nash¬ 
ville to confer with Buell. Some malignant persons bad reported this to Hal- 
leck and to Washington, and it was made a cause of complaint against him. 
Add to this, that the state of his command, on account of constant marchings, 
battles, sickness, detachments, and re-enforcements, made it difficult for him 
to report its exact condition; for this, fault was found with him. He was 
also blamed for letting C. F. Smith go to Nashville with his division. And 
to his utter astonishment, he was, on March 4th, ordered to turn over the 
command of his forces moving up the Tennessee to C. F. Smith, w'hile he 
was to remain at Fort Heniy. A correspondence took place between himself 
and Halleck, in which he asked to be relieved entirely from duty—taking es¬ 
pecial umbrage at an anonymous letter which had been sent vilifying him. 
But he was restored to duty and full command, and General Halleck wrote a 
letter to the headquarters of the army removing all misconceptions. He as¬ 
sumes general command March 14th. 

4* 



82 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


CHAPTER IX. 

i 

grant’s new campaign. 

Pittsburg Landing.—The landing.—Grant’s dispositions.—The rebel advance.— 
Johnston’s proclamation.—The attack on Prentiss.—On Sherman, IIurlbut, 
McClernand, and Wallace.—The situation at ten o’clock.—Rebel losses.— 
The gunboats.—Webster’s Artillery.—Surgeon Cornyn.—The final attack 
on Sunday.—Lewis Wallace arrives.—II is delay.—Monday morning.—Buell 
on the field.—Battle on the left— On the right.—Beauregard retires.— 
Comments. 

The field of Pittsburg Landing bad been selected by Gen¬ 
eral C. F. Smith,* wliq had immediate command of the troops 
in the field, and who soon acquired information of the rebel 
designs. It was on the west bank of the Tennessee, and for 
the most part densely wooded with tall trees, and but little 
undergrowth. The landing is immediately flanked on the left 
by a short but precipitous ravine, along which runs the road 
to Corinth. On the right and left, forming a good natural 
flanking arrangement, were Snake and Lick creeks, which 
would compel the attack of the enemy to be made in front. 
The distance between the mouths of these creeks is about two 
and a half miles. The locality was well chosen. The landing 
was protected by the gunboats Tyler and Lexington. Buell’s 
Army of the Ohio was coming up to re-enforce Grant; and 
although the river lay in our rear, that was the direction of 
advance. Just at that time it was the best possible thing for 
our army to fight a battle, and the moral effect of a victory 
would be invaluable to our cause. 

Grant, who arrived at Savannah on the 17th of March, a 
point from which he could best oversee his whole force, keep ac- 


* Sherman’s letter to tlie editor of tlie United States Service Magazine, 
January, 1865. 



GRANT’S NEW CAMPAIGN. 


83 


count of his re-enforcements, and daily visit liis detachments, 
had placed the five divisions of Prentiss, McClernand, W. H. 
Wallace/ 5 ' Hurlbut, and Sherman. Lewis Wallace’s division 
was thus disposed : the first brigade at Crump’s Landing; the 
second two miles above it; the third at Adamsville; all ready 
to concentrate and move down to join the main force when¬ 
ever circumstances should render it necessary. 

Grant’s force on the field was thus arranged : Prentiss was 
on the left, about a mile and a half from the landing, facing 
southward ; McClernand at some distance on his right, facing 
southwest; Sherman at Shiloh Church, on the right of Mc¬ 
Clernand, and in advance of him ; Hurlbut and Wallace a 
mile in rear of McClernand, in reserve, the former supporting 
the left, and the latter the right wing. The whole force was 
about thirty-eight thousand men. 

To attack and overwhelm Grant’s Army of the Tennessee, 
before the Army of the Ohio could arrive, was Beauregard’s 
purpose ; for that general had, in his* headquarters at Corinth, 
planned the whole movement, and even while Johnston was on 
the field, was looked upon as the leader. By the fall of John¬ 
ston, he became also the nominal commander, on the after¬ 
noon of the first day. 

Beauregard had been very diligent in collecting troops from 
every available quarter, and although Grant had assumed the 
offensive, the rebel leader took the initiative in a very hand¬ 
some manner. Bragg’s corps had been brought from Mobile 
and Pensacola; Polk had come down with the greater part of 
his troops from the evacuation of Columbus ; and Johnston had 
brought up his reserve army, which had retreated from Nash¬ 
ville to Murfreesboro’. These concentrated forces, first hav¬ 
ing been disposed as an army of observation, along the Mobile 
and Ohio Kailroad, from Bethel to Corinth, and along the 
Memphis and, Charleston Railroad, from Corinth to Iuka, w T ero. 
now informed of Jhe work before them. 

■•♦Owing to Smith’s severe sickness, and McClernand’s dissatisfaction at being 
commanded by a junior, Grant assumed tbe immediate command of the expe¬ 
dition, March 31. 





84 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


What Beauregard hoped to effect, we can only now conjec¬ 
ture. His report, made after his discomfiture, declares— 
Credat Judcevs —that it was only to stun our army, take our 
stores, and then return to Corinth. 

The advance of the rebels was not without some premoni¬ 
tions. There was slight skirmishing at Crump’s Landing, on 
the 2d of April, and on the 4th a grand reconnoissance of our 
position was made, from which, however, they rapidly retired. 
It was then known also that Beauregard expected to be re¬ 
enforced by the trans-Mississippi armies of Price and Yan 

4 

Dorn. 

On the 3d of April, General A. S. Johnston, their ostensible 
commander-iir-cliief, issued a stirring proclamation to the 
“Army of the Mississippi,”* and the march was begun. The 
rebel force thus set in motion, with high hopes and overween¬ 
ing fancies, w r as composed of the army corps of W. J. Hardee, 
Braxton Bragg, Leonidas Polk, and the reserves under Breck¬ 
inridge. 

Hardee’s corps was in front, and contained the divisions of 
Hindman, Cleburne, and Wood; Bragg had two divisions, those 
of Buggies and Withers; Polk had tw r o, Clark’s and Cheat¬ 
ham’s ; Breckinridge’s reserves w r ere composed of the brigades 
of Trabue, Bow r en, and Statham. 


* Soldiers of the Army of the Mississippi : 

I have put you in motion to offer "battle to tlie invaders of your country, with 
the resolution, and discipline, and valor becoming men, fighting, as you are, for 
all worth living or dying for. You can but march to a decisive victory over 
agrarian mercenaries, sent to subjugate and despoil you of your liberties, 
property, and honor. 

Remember the precious stake involved; remember the dependence of your 
mothers, your wives, your sisters, and your children, on the result. Remember 
the fair, broad, abounding lands, the happy homes, that will be desolated by 
your defeat. The eyes and hopes of eight millions of people rest upon you. 
You are expected to show yourselves worthy of your valor and courage, worthy 
of the women of the South, whose noble devotion in thjs war has never been 
exceeded in any time. With such incentives to brave deeds, and with trust 
that God is with us, your general will lead you confidently to the combat, as¬ 
sured of success. 

By order of 


General A. S. Johnston, commanding. 




9 



Pittsburgh Landin 


JErufratvti /!>/• tirrmt mid 


.v l"anijmitjn.v 


mmm 


»*N E ISON 








U;\]f 


fjrnmk (i| 




'4m 


2 


































































GRANT’S NEW CAMPAIGN. 


85 


On Friday, the 4th, five days’ rations had been issued,—they 
expected to have later issues from our stores, which they were 
going to capture. The rebel march was along the numerous 
narrow and heavy roads which converge towards the landing. 
They were unencumbered and light, but it rained very heavily, 
and they were not able to get into position in our front until 
Saturday night; and then so weary and worn, that they were 
in no condition to attack.without a night’s rest. The great 
armies being now fairly in contact, the men lay down to their 
rest in silence. Those nearest our lines were allowed no fires, 
and there were no sounds of drums or bugles which should 
disclose to us their position or their strength. Beauregard, 
weak from recent sickness, is the oracle of the more distant 
camp-fire at his headquarters ; he completes his dispositions, 
and gives to his commanders their orders for the morrow. 
He declares, that the next night they would sleep in our 
camps, which they did; but if we may believe the current 
report of the time, he also said, that the next day he would 
water his horse in the Tennessee or in h—11. Fortunately— 
and perhaps unfortunately—he was enabled to do neither. 

But, it must be confessed, his plans were well conceived. 
Through spies, residents of the country, he had an intimate 
knowledge of the position and composition of Grant’s army. 
He was in great hopes that Buell would not arrive in time to 
aid our forces; and stealing upon us, to some extent una¬ 
wares, he and his generals were in admirable spirits; and 
there was not one in that informal council, who did not feel 
sure of an easy and complete victory on the morrow. 

THE BATTLE. 

The morning of the 6th rose bright and clear—a lovely 
spring day. By three o’clock the rebel army had breakfasted, 
laid aside their knapsacks, and stripped to the bloody work. 
Portions of the Union army were still wrapped in the most 
profound slumber; others, nearer the enemy, were making 
lazy preparation for breakfast. Prentiss, warned, indeed, of 






88 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


an unusual demonstration in his front, but by no means sus¬ 
pecting that forty-five thousand men were about to spring 
upon him, had not only strengthened his pickets, but had sent 
out Colonel Moore, with five companies, to reconnoitre. The 
attack upon Moore was sudden, and he sent back in haste for 
. re-enforcements, while he was falling back. 

The shock had come : it was sudden and stunning. Pren¬ 
tiss was formed in two brigades. Peabody with the Twenty- 
first Missouri, Sixteenth Wisconsin, and Twelfth Michigan, 
was first to bear the brunt. His second brigade was at the 
landing, but was at once hurried up. But it was too late. 
Prentiss was driven back in great confusion : some guns and 
a few prisoners were lost. A glance at the original position 
of Prentiss and Sherman, on the map, shows a wide gap be¬ 
tween them. Hurlbut is too far in the rear, and McClernand 
too far to the right. Into this gap Hardee pushes vigorously, 
forming the first rebel line, strengthened by Gladden’s brigade 
of Wither’s division, sent by Bragg; he is almost entirely 
unopposed, and thus he flanks not only the flying regiments 
of Prentiss, but those of Sherman, unless McClernand is 
ready in his support. Prentiss, re-enforced, endeavors to 
rally, but Bragg, whose corps forms the rebel second line, 
sends the rest'of Wither’s division to re-enforce Hardee ; Chal¬ 
mers attacks his left, Jackson his right. He is rolled up at both 
ends. Peabody is killed, and Prentiss and his division again 
driven back in confusion. He fights with varied fortunes dur¬ 
ing the day; but, by an overwhelming charge of the rebels, is 
cut off from the rest of the army and the landing, and captured, 
with the greater part of his division, late in the afternoon. 

Let us turn to Sherman. His line to the right and rear of 
Shiloh ohurch was thus formed and arranged: Hildebrand’s 
brigade, of three Ohio and one Illinois regiments, was on the 
left; Buckland’s, of three Ohio regiments, in the centre ; and 
McDowell, with one Ohio, one Illinois, and one Iowa, on the 
right. His artillery, under Captain Taylor, was at the church, 
Sherman’s pickets were driven in about sunrise, and his line 
hastily formed. To the men it was something of a surprise. 


GRANT’S NEW CAMPAIGN. 


87 


Some ran in confusion, but most of them stood firm, while 
Taylor’s guns opened on the enemy’s advance. Here, also, 
the contest was to be for a time unequal. Buggies’ division 
of Bragg’s corps, with Hodgson’s Battery, attacked him in 
front, while Hardee, having routed Prentiss, executed a left 
half-wheel, to flank and envelop Sherman. Buggies’ brigades 
were commanded by Gibson, Anderson, and Pond. Sher¬ 
man’s position at the church was on a ridge, and a creek lay 
in front. The first effort to stay the rebel tide was a charge 
by Hildebrand, but he was soon compelled to fall back before 
the enemy’s numbers and vigor; and, in spite of our attack, 
the admirable fire of Taylor’s guns, the help of McClernand, 
the splendid gallantry of Sherman, the rebels crossed the 
creek and surged upon our line, and into the gap on Sherman’s 
left flank. Checked again and again by Taylor’s fire, the tide 
swelled on, until at length an enfilading fire on our left com¬ 
pelled Sherman to fall back, with the loss of three of Water-' 
house’s guns; for, while this terrible struggle was going on 
on the left of Sherman, his right and centre were also hotly 
engaged. Buckland and McDowell were sustaining a vigor¬ 
ous attack from Pond’s and Anderson’s brigades, which ad¬ 
vanced with a heavy artillery fire. Thus Sherman’s flanks 
were rolled back, and he was compelled to take up a new po¬ 
sition, wdiieh, however, he was not permitted to hold long; 
for Polk, with the third rebel line, had come up to aid Bragg, 
and they were moving to Sherman’s rear, who was thus in 
danger of being cut off from the landing and from the rest of 
the army. His last position was taken up on a ridge, with his 
left flank on a run, covering the bridge across Snake Creek, by 
which he expected the arrival of Lewis Wallace’s division. 

In describing so confused a battle, we must not attempt to 
interweave the actions of the various commanders in one nar¬ 
rative, but to keep each distinct, until, by an array of the facts, 
we are able to combine and collate them. Having thus briefly 
disposed of the divisions of Sherman and Prentiss, and having 
brought upon the field the rebel force, Hardee, Bragg, and 
Polk—all, except Breckinridge’s reserves—we are now ready 


88 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


to notice tlie parts played by Hurlbut, McClernand, and W. 
H. L. Wallace, both in support of the advanced troops, and 
in separate actions of their own. 

Hurlbut’s division was composed of the brigades of Yeatch, 
Williams, and Lauman, and a light battery was attached to 
each brigade. Upon the first urgent request of Prentiss, he 
had sent him Yeatch’s brigade ; and as that had been unable 
to stem the tide, he formed Williams and Lauman, with bat¬ 
teries on the right and left, in a cotton-field on the Hamburg 
road, and there awaited the advancing rebels. In came Pren¬ 
tiss’s command in hot haste, and on came Yv r ithers, pursuing. 
Meyer’s battery, which had been placed on the left, was de¬ 
serted by the gunners, but Prentiss called for volunteers to 
man it, and a dozen men came forward; they held their posi¬ 
tion, while Prentiss’s debris were rallying in rear. This was 
the darkest hour, and Hurlbut and Wallace, who had been 
held in reserve, were now to bear the brant of the battle. 
Hurlbut and McClernand were slowly pressed back until they 
came upon a line with the camps of Wallace’s division. Pren¬ 
tiss was a prisoner, and his division broken up. Sherman 
had been forced back, and Hildebrand’s brigade cut to pieces. 
The regiments sent by McClernand to Sherman had been very 
much cut up. Many guns were lost, and the rebels had driven 
our forces a mile, and were in our camps. 

As far as mathematical statements and lines can indicate 
such a confused condition of things, the order at ten o’clock 
was the following: Colonel Stewart, of Sherman’s division, w r ho 
had been posted on the Hamburg road in the morning, far to 
the left, and who had held his position most gallantly against 
the overwhelming numbers of Breckinridge’s reserves, had 
been slowly driven back to join Hurlbut’s left, in spite of the 
re-enforcements of McArthur’s brigade of Wallace’s division. 
Next came Hurlbut, who had posted himself to resist the 
rebel advance ; and behind him were the fugitives of General 
Prentiss. McClernand was on his right and rear; and Sher¬ 
man’s left in rear of McClernand. 

General Y illiam H. ,L. Wallace had sent McArthur’s bri- 


GRANT’S NEW CAMPAIGN. 


89 


gade to support Stewart, but it had lost its way, and was 
unable to join Stewart, who had, as we have seen, been 
obliged to fall back. As it was now manifest that the fury of 
the rebel attack was to be directed to our left, General Wal¬ 
lace marched his other brigades over to join McArthur, thus 
filling the space so threatened upon Hurlbut’s left, and took 
with him three Missouri batteries—Stone’s, Richardson’s, and 
Webber’s—all under Major Cavender. Here, from ten o’clock 
until four, this devoted force manfully sustained the-terrific 
fire and frequent attack of the continually increasing foe. 
Upon Wallace and Hurlbut the enemy made four separate 
charges, which were splendidly repulsed. At length Hurlbut 
was obliged to fall back, and, their supports all gone, Wallace’s 
division were satisfied that they too must retire. To add to the 
disorder, their commander, General Wallace, fell mortally 
wounded, and was carried from the field. The artillery had 
done admirable execution, .Stone’s Battery, particularly, re¬ 
treating slowly, and firing continually. 

The rebels had accomplished much, but they were paying 

dear for their experiment. Gladden and Hindman were 

killed; and at half-past two a minie ball pierced General A. 

% 

S. Johnston’s leg, and the wound, though small, was mortal. 

But they had as yet far the best of it. We had lost 
Prentiss and three thousand prisoners, and the greater part 
of our advanced artillery.* The river-banks are swarming 
w r itk fugitives and skulkers, who, when asked why they do not 
return to the front, say their regiments are cut to pieces, or 
they cannot find them, and who resist all the swearing, coax¬ 
ing, and storming of the officers sent to bring them back. 
But the action of the day is not yet. at an end. The rebels 
have reached the ravine, and, placing their guns in battery, 
they must clear a path for an infantry attack before they can 
drive away our forces, and seize the landing. And now the 
grand opportunity for our artillery, land and naval, has 


* Only tlie organizations of four regiments were captured, viz., tlie Eighth 
Twelfth, and Fourteenth Iowa, and the Fifty-eighth Illinois infantry. 



90 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


•arrived. Captain Gwin, of the Tyler, sends an officer to 
General Grant for permission to shell the woods and sweep 
the ravine. He is told to act according to his own judgment; 
and he does it to good purpose. The Tyler and Lexington 
open, and sweep the ravine—onfilading the rebel lines and 
batteries. Colonel Webster, of General Grant’s staff, with a 
quick eye and a skilful hand, has placed upon a ridge at the 
landing three thirty-twos and two eight-inch howitzers. Vol¬ 
unteers are called for to man them, and, to his great honor 
be it said, Dr. Cornyn, surgeon of the First Missouri artillery, 
offers his services, and does most excellent duty, cutting out 
work for oilier surgeons. All along the crest, our reserve 
artillery, consisting of twenty-fours, tens, and twenties, sixty 
guns in all, is placed in position, and the landing is safe be¬ 
yond any peradventure. 

But our army is exhausted ; the line is reduced to one mile 
in length, in a curve at the landing; it is a forced concentra¬ 
tion, but it really consolidates what remain. 

Prentiss and Wallace’s divisions, owing to the loss of 
general officers, are subdivided, and assigned to other divi¬ 
sions, and all the commands are greatly intermingled. The 
rebels encircle our reduced and crowded hue south and west of 
the ravine. They have placed their artillery on the opposite 
crest, and still determine to cross that ravine, seize the road, 
and cut us off from the landing. Vain boast; if our troops 
have been worsted, Beauregard is not unscathed. His army 
is badly cut up, and the organizations are very much confused 
and mixed; and yet he essays the herculean task. As far as 
we can determine the rebel order now, the corps organization 
is lost; they are fighting by divisions and brigades. Chal¬ 
mers is on their right, with Breckinridge in rear; and then 
ranging to the left are Withers, Cheatham, Buggies, Gibson, 
Stewart, Anderson, Stephens, and Pond, much reduced, but 
still ready to fight. 

But this new attack is destined to be a failure. Our artil¬ 
lery fire from the north crest is continuous and severe; and 
wherever the smoke and flashes of their guns disclose the 


GRANT'S NEW CAMPAIGN. 


91 


rebel positions, tliey are swept by the guns of Gwin and 
Shirk from the boats. At length the rebel column is launched 
forth, consisting of Chalmers and Jackson’s brigades; they 
rush down the ravine and up the northern slope; but a few 
volleys cut them up, and drive them back like sheep. Three 
times they face the horrible fire, and are mowed down by an 
invisible enemy. The tide has turned. It is now nightfall, 
and Beauregard, professing himself satisfied with what he has 
done, and certainly checked in what he is now doing, ignorant 
too of Buell’s arrival, determines to leave the finishing touch, 
the final overthrow of Grant’s discomfited army, until the 
morning. But at last our men are in a secure position, while 
his are disheartened and demoralized by their last repulse. 
Grant, who had been all day upon the field, anticipating the 
want, by sending up ammunition, had visited Sherman about 
five o’clock, and, yet ignorant of Buell’s arrival, had ordered him, 
with the assistance of Lewis Wallace, who was now crossing 
the Snake Creek bridge, to assume the offensive in the morning. 

Of the movements of General Wallace, it must be said, that 
Grant had expected his appearance earlier upon the field. 
He had been particularly directed to move by the road 
nearest the river, and parallel to it, until he reached our right 
in rear of the camps of the Second (W. H. L. Wallace’s) division, 
and there form in line at right angles with the river. He moved 
at twelve o’clock from a point only four miles and a half dis¬ 
tant from that to which he was ordered ; but, from some mis¬ 
conception or misunderstanding of the orders, he pursued a 
road almost at right angles to the one he had been directed 
to take, so that, after marching five miles, when he was over¬ 
taken by Colonel Bowley, of General Grant’s staff, he was no 
nearer the battle-field than when he started. He marched 
back again to within half a mile from the point from which 
he started, where he struck the road to Pittsburg Landing, 
which he should have taken at the first. Thus it happened 
that he did not reach the field until after dark. General 
Grant’s opinion is, that, had he not been delayed, Pren¬ 
tiss might have been saved from capture, and, perhaps, 


92 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


the battle won the first clay. He had not for a momen 
lost heart, and he has always believed that he could have suc¬ 
cessfully resisted the rebel army without further assistance. 

But assurance is now doubly sure ; Buell has arrived, and 
is in person on the field. In the fading light, Nelson’s 
division* of his army crosses above the landing, with the in¬ 
telligence that McCook and Crittenden are coming up the river 
from Savannah. On the right, behind Sherman, Lewis Wal¬ 
lace, leaving only two regiments at Crump’s Landing, is cross¬ 
ing the creek with his fresh division by a good bridge, near 
the landing. The tables are completely turned. Our artil¬ 
lery and the gunboats, having forced Beauregard to fall back 
for safety, are keeping his w r earied trooph awake during the 
night. All night long steamers will ply between Savannah 
and Pittsburg, bringing up the divisions of McCook and Crit¬ 
tenden ; and with the first streak of dawn, we shall be ready 
for an overwhelming advance. Sherman has already ad¬ 
vanced to the right and front; Lewis Wallace files in upon 
his right, and thus the worn-out -troops sink into dreamless 
rest. The forest is full of dead and wounded, who cannot 
yet be cared for; when, to add to the horrors, the woods are 
set on fire. Some of the wounded perish in the flames, while 
others are shrieking as the fiery death sweeps upon them. 
But, thanks be to God, a sudden April rain-storm quenches 
the fire, and tempers the fever of these helpless men, as rain 
only can. 

MONDAY MORNING. 

Commanders and men on both sides knew that the dawn 
must bring on the battle again,—a struggle the more bitter, 
because each was determined to assume the offensive, and the 


* General Grant,, hearing that Nelson’s division had arrived on the night of 
the 5th in the vicinity of feavannali, had sent him an order, as early as seven 
o’clock in the morning of the 6th, to move to a point on the river opposite Pitts¬ 
burg Landing; but, according to his official report, he did not start until about 
one o’clock, and did not reach his destination until late in the afternoon. 



GRANT’S NEW CAMPAIGN. 


93 


shock would be like that of mediaeval knights in mid lists. 
The fresh troops were placed in line as they came'upon the 
field, far in advance, upon the ground abandoned by Beaure¬ 
gard after the failure of his last attack. Nelson was on the 
left; then in prder Crittenden, McCook,'Hurlbut, McClernand, 
Sherman, and Lewis Wallace,—the new Tine on the left nearly 
a mile in advance of our position on Sunday evening. 

Nelson’s division contained the brigades of Ammen, Bruce, 
and Hazen ; and Ammen’s brigade, which had first arrived, 
had joined in resisting the advance on Sunday evening, when 
they crossed. 

Crittenden had two brigades—Boyle’s and W. S. Smith’s, 
with Mendenhall’s regular battery, and Bartlett’s Ohio bat¬ 
tery. 

McCook had the three brigades of Bousseau, Gibson, and 
Kirk, with the batteries of Stone, Goodspeed, and Terrill. 
Bousseau’s brigade was a large one. Colonel Gibson com¬ 
manded the brigade of B. W. Johnson, who was absent sick. 
Lewis Wallace’s division contained the brigades of M. L. 
Smith, Thayer, and Whittlesey. 

The battle began by a determined advance on our left and 

centre; simultaneously with which, Beauregard, having formed 

a strong rear-guard and whipping in all stragglers, undertook 

a vigorous assault upon our left. He was still deceived into 

the hope that he might capture the landing. The assault 

upon Nelson was tremendous ; but while his troops were 

wavering, in spite of all his efforts, the regular battery of 

10/* ^ 

Captain Mendenhall, detached by Buell from Crittenden’s 
division, came into action, unlimbering at a jump, while the 
rebels were rushing forward, and, by rapid discharges of 
grape and canister, hurled them back. Again and again 
fresh troops were poured upon our left, but only to be driven 
back. At length Hazen’s brigade charged, captured a rebel 
battery, and turned it upon the astonished enemy. 

Once more a rebel charge, and Hazen is driven back, when 
Terrill’s battery, of McCook’s division, being in search of its 
position, is posted by General Buell at the contested point 


94 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


He opens with shell from his ten-pounders, and grape and 
canister from his brass twelves, and the brunt of the battle 
burns low in Nelson’s front. Buell has admirably posted his 
artillery, and the guns have been splendidly served. Nelson 
can move forward. On his right, Crittenden and McCook ad¬ 
vanced abreast, but to meet with a stubborn resistance. 
Throughout the w r ar, as numerous examples could testify, the 
rebel generals always sought to pierce our line at its weakest 
point—at some joint in the armor. It was so now. In the 
slight interval between Crittenden and McCook they endeav¬ 
ored to force a passage. Rousseau, partially flanked, is driven 
back, but rallies upon the support of Kirk’s and Gibson’s 
brigades. 

On the right, Sherman and Wallace have advanced with 
ardor to the same ridge occupied by the former on Sunday 
morning. But here again furious battle was to be joined, for 
the rebels, when satisfied that they could effect nothing on the 
left, had countermarched them troops to try the right once * 
more, and the little log church of Shiloh was again to witness 
a desperate struggle. By w r ell-concerted movements, our 
troops are kept well abreast throughout the whole line, and 
when at length a concerted advance was made, in spite of the 
great efforts of the enemy, it was successful. By four o’clock 
the rebel commander had seen the uselessness of further 
effort; by half-past five he was in full retreat. 

He had failed in all his projects, and was driven finally back, 
to return no more, with an acknowledged loss of nearly eleven 
thousand men ; and yet he had the hardihood to telegraph to 
tne rebel secretary of war that night, that he had “ gained a 
great and glorious victory.” * Ho qualified this, however, by 
adding, with singular inconsistency: “Buell re-enforced Grant, 


* Corinth, Tuesday, April 8, 1862. 

To the Secretary of War, Richmond: 

We liave gained a great and glorious victory. Eight to ten thousand prison¬ 
ers, and thirty-six pieces of cannon. Buell re-enforced Grant, and tee retired to 
our intrenchments at Corinth , which we can hold. Loss heavy on both sides. 

Beauregard. 




GRANT S NEW CAMPAIGN. 


95 


and we retired to our intrencliments at Corinth, wliich we' can 
hold.” The truth is, that having utterly failed, Beauregard 
burned his camp and withdrew his troops, defended by Breck¬ 
inridge, with a powerful rear-guard, and trembling in fear of 
a pursuit, which would have scattered him like spray.* He 
made all haste to Corinth, began to dig with an energy in¬ 
cited by fear, while Grant’s forces were “ too much fatigued 
from two days’ hard fighting, and exposure to the open air, in 
a drenching rain, during the intervening night, to pursue im¬ 
mediately.” 

* The following correspondence is significant: 

/ Headquarters Department of Mississippi, 

Monterey, April 8, 1862. 

Sm—At the close of the conflict yesterday, my forces being exhausted by 
the extraordinary length of the time during which they were engaged with 
yours on that and the preceding day, and it being apparent that you had re¬ 
ceived, and were still receiving, re-enforcements, I felt it my duty to withdraw 
my troops from the immediate scene of the conflict. Under these circum¬ 
stances, in accordance wdth the usages-of war, I shall transmit this under a flag 
of truce, to ask permission to send a mounted party to the battle-field of Shiloh, 
for the purpose of giving decent interment to my dead. Certain gentlemen 
wishing to avail themselves of this opportunity to remove the remains of their 
sons and friends, I must request for them the privilege of accompanying the 
burial party; and in this connection, I deem it proper to say, I am asking 
what I have extended to your own countrymen under similar circumstances. 

Respectfully, general, your obedient servant, 

P. G. T. Beaurecaed, General commanding. 

To Major-General U. S. Grant, 

Commanding U. S. Forces, Pittsburg Landing. 

Headquarters Army in the Field, 
Pittsburg, April 9, 1862. 

General p. G. T. Beauregard, Commanding Confederate Army on Missis¬ 
sippi, Monterey, Term.: 

Tour dispatch of yesterday is just received. Owing to the warmth of the 
weather, I deemed it advisable to have all the dead of both parties buried im¬ 
mediately. Heavy details were made for this purpose, and it is now accom¬ 
plished. There cannot, therefore, be any necessity of admitting within our 
lines the parties you desired to send on the ground asked. I shall always be 
glad to extend any courtesy consistent with duty, and especially so when dic¬ 
tated by humanity. I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant, 

U. S. Graxt, Major-General commanding. 



96 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Sherman went out, however, on the morning of the 8th, 
with two brigades, and some cavalry, to reconnoitre the re¬ 
treat, and found abandoned camps and hospital flags, with 
signs of a disorderly and precipitate departure. 

Our own losses were 12,217— i. e., 1,700 killed, 7,495 wounded, 
and 3,022 missing. Of these Buell lost 2,167. 

Beauregard’s w T ere far greater: he confesses to a loss of 
one thousand seven hundred and twenty-eight killed, eight 
thousand and twelve wounded, nine hundred and fifty-five 
missing—total, ten thousand six hundred and ninety-nine; 
and as his army went into action forty-five thousand strong, 
and he could not on Monday, by his own account, bring 
twenty thousand into action, there must have been from 
fifteen to eighteen thousand stragglers. 

The news flew over the country. Telegraphed to Y/ashing- 
ton, it was read by Mr. Speaker Colfax to the House. The 
people, careless of military criticism, were satisfied with the 
victory, and there was general rejoicing. General Halleck, in 
orders, thanked Generals Grant and Buell, “ and the officers 
and men of their respective commands, for the bravery and 
endurance with which they sustained the general attack of 
the enemy on the 6th, and for the heroic manner in which, 
on the 7th, they defeated and routed the entire rebel 
army.” * 

General Halleck then, retaining Grant and Buell in com¬ 
mand of their respective armies, took command of the whole 
in person, and advanced upon Corinth, that important point 
for whose security Beauregard had fought and lost the battle 
of Pittsburg Landing. 

But our task would be incomplete, without a brief considera¬ 
tion of the battle as subjected to the canons and rules of mili¬ 
tary criticism. 

The great features of the action are clear and simple; but 
the details, notwithstanding, or rather in part by reason of, 
the crowd of reports, Union and Confederate, are extremely 
confused. At the outset, our troops were shamefully sur¬ 
prised and easily overpowered; there was a want of proper 


GRANT’S NEW CAMPAIGN. 


97 


/ 

adjustment in our advanced lines; tlie panics were disgrace¬ 
ful, and swelled “that sickening crowd of laggards and fugi¬ 
tives which thronged the landing.” 

Halleck had ordered in general terms that the position 
should be fortified; but C. F. Smith opposed it, and his views 
were corroborated by Grant and all the division commanders, 
on the ground that it would tend to injure the morale of our 
army, and that we could stand any rebel attack. 

For want of this precaution we were surprised at the out¬ 
set, driven back from every point, in.three grand movements 
of the enemy on the first day—viz., at the early morning, at 
half-past ten, and at four. But there the disasters were at an 
end. 

It is useless to speculate upon what would have happened 
had Buell not come up, or to accumulate ifs, which always set 
the fancy into most fantastic working. There has been much 
controversy and heart-burning between commanders and par¬ 
tisans of the companion Armies of the Tennessee and the Ohio 
—criminations and recriminations, which are unwise and un¬ 
generous. 

Grant never despaired of the issue. At the first sound of 
the battle he had left his headquarters at Savannah, in a 
steamer, and by eight o’clock he was upon the ground. He 
immediately dispatched an .order to Lewis Wallace to hasten 
to the field. 

Feeling the fierceness of the onslaught, Grant rode along 
the lines all day long, recklessly exposing himself, while at¬ 
tempting to stay the torrent. At ten he visited Sherman. 
Again, at five, he saw him, and declaring with perfect coolness 
that the fury of the rebel attack was expended, he ordered 
that at the dawn, with Wallace’s division to aid, we should 
assume the offensive. It was just about sunset that Buell, a 
portion of whose army was now on the opposite bank, rode 
up in person, and, in the words of Sherman, “ his arrival made 
that certain which was before uncertain.” 

Whatever might have happened had Buell not come up, 


98 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


one thing is certain, liis arrival did put a new face upon the 
affair. Whatever we may have been able to effect without him, 
the battle of Monday as fought, and the victory of Monday as 
gained, were due to the fresh troops which he brought with him. 

Buell’s arrival, then, was most timely; his re-enforcements 
gave us largely preponderating numbers; his troops were 
handled with great coolness, judgment, and skill. He and 
his army deserve the greatest praise, which every military 
man is ready to accord; but let us not, in the glitter and 
glory of Monday, be so dazzled as not to estimate at its full 
value the severe fighting, the heroic endurance, and the un¬ 
shaken purpose which were displayed in the dark hours of 
Sunday. Let us not forget that Grant had organized his 
army with great quickness; had brought them fearlessly to 
the front, looking for the enemy, determined to fight him 
wherever he could find him, and with troops, most of whom 
had not only never seen a battle, but hardly been drilled at 
the simplest company manoeuvres, had fought the best mate¬ 
rial in the Confederacy for a whole day. Nay, more than this; 
undismayed by ill fortune, and unappalled by the cowardly 
conduct of thousands of stragglers, he had formed his line at 
night, under cover of a line of batteries, the fire of which 
caused the rebel attack to melt away ; he had ordered Sher¬ 
man to assume the offensive in the morning, with the aid of 
Lewis Wallace’s division of his own army ; he had confidently 
anticipated Buell’s arrival as one of the elements of the vic¬ 
tory ; and, by all these in combination, the greatest victory 
until then ever achieved on the American continent had 
been won. 

To those who still think that he risked too much by placing 
his army on the west bank, and thus came very near total 
defeat, we can only quote the words of General Sherman’s 
letter : “ If there were any error in putting that army on the 
west side of the Tennessee, exposed to the superior force of 
the enemy, also assembling at Corinth, the mistake was not 
General Grant’s ; but there was no mistake. It was necessary 
that a combaty fierce and bitter , to test the manhood of tivo armies , 


GRANT'S NEW CAMPAIGN. 


99 


should come off; and that teas as good a place as any. It was 
not then a question of military shill and strategy , hut of courage 
and pluck : and I am convinced , that every life lost that day to us 
was necessary ; for otherwise, at Corinth , at Memphis , at Vicks¬ 
burg , we would have found harder resistance , had we not shoivn 
our enemies that, rude and untutored as ice then were , we could 
tight as well as they.” 

Of the subordinates on that field, many deserve praise ; but 
of them all, Sherman cljtims the greatest. He then gave 
splendid earnest of his future achievements. Although severely 
wounded in the hand on the first day, his place was never 
vacant. Again he was wounded. He had three horses shot un¬ 
der him ; but he was undaunted and undismayed to the last. 

Of Beauregard, the rebel commander, it is also our duty to 
speak. His place as a military man has not been understood. 
For some personal reasons, he afterwards fell into disfavor 
with Jefferson Davis, which impaired his services as a soldier; 
and his silly and wipked letters have caused him to be hated 
and despised by our own people. But we do not except Lee, 
when we express the opinion, that he had no equal among the 
Confederate generals. 

Of strong, clear mind ; thoroughly instructed in the military 
art; at once enthusiastic and tenacious of purpose ; brave and 
self-reliant,—he had the power to bring all he was, and all 
that he knew, into practical use. His plans in this battle 
were excellent; his generalship, admirable ; his battle-tactics, 
sagacious and rapid; and had it not been for the skill of our 
chief commander, the determined valor of some of our troops, 
the effective management of the artillery, the accurate fire of 
the gunboats, and the timely arrival and admirable co-opera¬ 
tion of Buell, he might longer have contested the field, and 
even defeated our army entirely. 

Note. —The Confederate general has called this the battle of Shiloh. I 
have preferred the name of Pittsburg- Landing, and hope we shall retain 
that name. The battle was fought by Beauregard to take the landing, and by 
Grant to hold it. Shiloh church was but one among the important positions 
on the field. 


100 ' GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


CHAPTER X. 

THE SIEGE OF CORINTH. 


Corinth described.—Sherman’s reconnoissance.— The arrival of Halleck.— 
Pope’s armt comes dp.—Beauregard’s order.— His force—Ours. —Pope 
takes Farmington.— Tiie battle of Farmington.—Elliot's raid.—Corinth 

EVACUATED.—The OCCUPATION AND PURSUIT.—CO-OPERATING MOVEMENTS.— 

Mitchel’s MARcn.—T he navy.—Fight at Memphis.—New efforts of the 

ENEMY. ^ 


Corinth was tlie objective point, at which Beauregard was 
to make his stand, and which Halleck was to capture at any 
cost. Specifically, the immediate matter in hand for the 
Union general was to cut the enemy’s communication from 
east to west, on the new line which he had established, and 
the strength of which he vaunted ; and thus to force him back 
upon the southern route from Yicksburg to Montgomery. In 
executing this, the commander of the land forces was to move 
pari passu with the naval armament, which was endeavoring 
to clear the Mississippi; and finally, he was either to beat 
Beauregard, or, if that wily commander would not stay to be 
beaten, he was, at the least, to compel him to abandon 
Corinth in a disastrous retreat. 

Only a small village, not upon common maps, Corinth owes 

• • • 

its military importance to the fact that it is at the intersection 
of two great arterial railroads—the “ Mobile and Ohio” and 
the “ Memphis and Charleston.” The length and value of 
these routes are indicated by their names. Corinth is forty 
miles east of the Grand Junction, which it covered from Hal- 



THE SIEGE OF CORINTH, 

































































102 GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 

V 

leek’s army, and nineteen from Pittsburg Landing, where the 
last great battle was fought. It is built upon a low and 
clayey plain, but has for natural defences ridges at some dis¬ 
tance outside. The country beyond, to the banks of the Ten¬ 
nessee, is very much broken by ridges, valley streams, and 
marshes. The approach was rendered more difficult from the 
fact that, in his retreat from Pittsburg, the bridges over the 
creeks had been destroyed by Beauregard, and the roads 
heavily obstructed by timber. Farmington, on the east, and 
College Hill, on the north, are the highest points in the 
immediate vicinity of Corinth, and were occupied by the 
enemy as the signal-outposts of his vast intrenchments, en¬ 
circling the town. 

The advance of the Union army upon Corinth was deter¬ 
mined upon by General Halleck, as soon as the battle of Pitts¬ 
burg Landing had been fought. Had Beauregard won that 
battle, the advance would have been impossible : as Grant 
won it, it was the next obvious move upon the chess-board. 

On the 8th of April, as we have seen, Sherman had recon¬ 
noitred the retreat of the enemy, with two brigades and a 
cavalry force, and had found the roads very bad. But the 
badness of the roads was compensated for by the signs of haste 
in the enemy’s retreat. They were strewed with the accoutre- 
ments? wagons, ambulances, and limber-boxes of the retiring 
rebels; who had also, as an expedient to save time, left here 
and there a hospital flag flying. Sherman returned that same 
night to Pittsburg, to report. 

On the 9th of April, Halleck left St. Louis for the scene of 
action. But before his arrival Grant had not been idle. He 
had sent an expedition under Sherman up the Tennessee, 
accompanied by the gunboats, as far as Eastport, to destroy 
the railroad-bridge over Big Bear Creek, east of luka. This 
was effectually done, and thus Corinth was cut off by that 
route from Ptichmond. 

On the 22d of April, General John Pope came up to the 
landing, with his army, from New Madrid, twenty-five thou¬ 
sand strong. On the 30th, General Wallace was sent through 


THE SIEGE OF CORINTH. ' 103 

Purely to the track four miles beyond, to destroy the bridge 
across the Mobile and Ohio railroad ; thus cutting off supplies 
and re-enforcements that might come from Jackson, Tennes¬ 
see. This also was effectually done. 

These precautions having been taken, the “ Grand Army of 
the Tennessee”—one hundred and twenty thousand strong—- 
was ready to move, which it did with the greatest caution. On 
the 1st of May, Monterey, a town about half-way from the 
landing to Corinth, was occupied ; and on the 2d, Beauregard, 
being now assured of our purpose, prepared to receive Hal- 
leck’s attack. Whatever his hopes may have been, his words 
were defiant. In grandiloquent orders, to the invincible 
“ soldiers of Shiloh and Elkhorn,”*—in both which battles the 
Confederates had been defeated,.—he assured them of victory, 
and invoked an echo from “ the historic fields of Yorktown,” 
which, it so happened, were hastily evacuated the very day on 
which his order was written. He is unfortunate with a pen, 
but in this respect does not differ from many other generals 
on both sides, who do violence to the adage, that “ the pen is 
mightier than the sword.” 

Beauregard’s army, concentrated at Corinth, was composed 


* Headquarters of the Forces at Corinth, Miss., May 8, 1862. 

Soldiers of Shiloh and Elkhorn !—We are about to meet once more, in 
the shock of battle, the invaders of our soil, the despoilers of our homes, the 
disturbers of our family ties, face to face, hand to hand. We are to decide 
whether we are to be freemen, or vile slaves of those who are only free in name, 
and who but yesterday were vanquished, although in largely superior num¬ 
bers, in their own encampments, on the ever memorable field of Shiloh. Let 
the impending battle decide our fate, and add a more illustrious page to the 
history of our revolution—one to which our children will point with noblo 
pride, saying—“ Our fathers were at the battle of Corinth.” I congratulate 
you on your timely junction. With our mingled banners, for the first time 
during the war, we shall meet our foe in strength that should give us victory. 
Soldiers, can the result be doubtful? Shall we not drive back in Tennessee 
the presumptuous mercenaries collected for our subjugation ? One more manly 
effort, and trusting in God and the justness of our cause, we shall recover 
more than we lately lost. Let the sound of our victorious guns be re-echoed by 
those of the Army of Virginia, on the historic battle-field of Yorktown. 

P. G. T. Beauregard, General commanding. 




104 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


of several elements : tlie “ soldiers of Shiloh,” the army which 
had fought at Pittsburg Landing ; those of “ Elkhorn,” the 
combined army of Van Dorn and Price, from Arkansas and 
Missouri; and the forces under General Lovell, which had 
evacuated New Orleans when, on the 28th of April, our gun¬ 
boats appeared before it. In addition to these, a large militia 
force had been hastily sent forward from Alabama, Missis¬ 
sippi, and Louisiana. Bragg, as second in rank, had com¬ 
mand of the “ Army of the Mississippi.” The old organization 
of the corps—under Hardee, Bragg, Breckinridge, and Polk 
—was retained. Breckinridge commanded the reserve, and 
Van Dorn the re-enforcements. The whole force was about 
sixty-five thousand men, most of them the best troops in the 
Confederacy ; and they were expected to accomplish great 
things under Beauregard at Corinth. 

To drive this well-appointed and large army from its 
stronghold, and even, perhaps, to capture it, General Hal- 
leck moved with his large force, comprising three armies— 
the Army of the Tennessee/ 5, originally General Grant’s, now 
confided to General George H. Thomas and General John A. 
McClernand ; the Army of the Ohio; commanded by Don 
Carlos Buell, and composed of the divisions of McCook, T. J. 
Wood, Nelson, and Crittenden; the Army of the Mississippi, 
General John Pope, originally containing three divisions, and 
re-enforced by one division from General Curtis. Thomas 
formed the right wing, Buell the centre, Pope the left, and J 
McClernand the reserve. Grant, being in orders second in 
command, retained the command of the district of West Ten¬ 
nessee, and had a general supervision of the right wing, under 
Thomas, and the reserves under McClernand. This general 
command of Grant also extended to the compiling of reports, 
ordering the discharge of soldiers on surgeon’s certificate of 
disability, and similar duties. 

On the 3d of May, our advance had reached a point eight 
miles from Corinth, and, on the same day, Pope sent Paine’s 




* See note at page 116. 




THE SIEGE OF CORINTH. 


105 


division to reconnoitre, and, if possible, occupy Farmington, 
an important outpost of Corinth, already mentioned. 

The resistance made by the Confederate garrison of Farm¬ 
ington, four thousand five hundred strong, under General 
Marmaduke, was not by any means a vigorous one. Indeed 
he retired rapidly to Corinth, leaving his camps with all its 
supplies, and only thirty dead. At the time it seemed as 
though his orders had been to withdraw, but the subsequent 
efforts of the rebels to recover Farmington prove that this could 
not have been so. An artillery reconnoissance, well supported 
by cavalry, as far as Glendale, on the Memphis and Charleston 
Railroad, was successful in destroying the traok and breaking 
up two important trestle-bridges. Halleck’s scheme was work¬ 
ing well; Tve were gradually approaching in front, and at the 
same time cutting and recutting the communications on both 
flanks. Meanwhile Beauregard, while apparently plying tooth 
and nail to render Corinth impregnable, was already medi¬ 
tating an evacuation and retreat. 

We have said the advance was made with great caution ; 
the movements of the several armies were in a kind of eche¬ 
lon, and at every step strong intrenchments were the order of 
,tlie day. If Beauregard was fortified at Corinth, Halleck 
was equally so in almost every encampment. It is easy now 
to say, and to say truly, that the caution was too great and the 
approaches too slow, but that was our day of experiments. 

The rebel defences at Corinth were very strong. In a 
general way, they may be described as a continued line of in¬ 
trenchments, occupying the brow of the first ridge outside of 
the town of wdiicli we have spoken. On the east there was a 
ravine, and Philip’s Creek in front; on the north was a heavy 
abatis, and a cleared space in front. The exterior lines were 
fifteen miles long—a miniature Torres Vedras—and at every 
road-crossing there were either strong redoubts, or batteries 
with massive epaulments. Here, as always in engineering, 
Beauregard had acquitted himself well, not without pride 
. that his work was now to test the skill of his fellow West 
Pointed and engineer, Halleck. 

5* 


106 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 

I 

Tlie experience of tlie last battle bad tanglit our generals 
the value of intrenchments, by the dangers which their absence 
incurred, and now all our approaches were strengthened by 
the spade, or such other impromptu implement as often takes 
its place. A crib of fence-rails, hastily made, was the recep¬ 
tacle into which the earth was thrown : the batteries were 
made heavier than the lines, and the log-houses in the vicinity 
formed rude but strong platforms for the guns. 

The right wing of Thomas and McClernand in reserve, all 
under Grant’s general supervision, moved in three columns; 
the centre, under Buell, in two, while Pope occupied Farming- 
ton with one column from the north and one from the east. 

« 

THE BATTLE OF FARMINGTON. 

On the 9tli of May, the battle of Farmington was fought. 
The rebel general was not content to let General Pope retain 
the position so easily gained, and hold the front of that town 
with a single brigade, separated from it by a small stream. 
Launching with great rapidity and secrecy a force of twenty 
thousand men, the enemy fell upon this advanced brigade of 
Pope’s army, which, though separated from the rest, had 
been advantageously posted, under the supervision of Gener¬ 
als Paine and Palmer. It resisted the attack for several hours, 
but at length fell back, because it was believed that General 
Halleck did not desire, by supporting it, to bring on a general 
engagement. The front attack of the enemy was conducted 
by Yan Dorn, while Price had been ordered early in the day 
to make a detour around our extreme left, and get into the 
rear of these isolated troops. Either he was too late, or Yan 
Dorn too early. The combination w r as a failure ; they did 
not capture any portion of Pope’s army, although they occu¬ 
pied Farmington, and found a small quantity of baggage 
there. By a little foresight and valor, they need never have 
lost it; with a stronger advanced force, Pope might have 
held it against these last attacks. 

,Yfe need not stop to detail the painfully slow approaches 


THE SIEGE OF CORINTH. 


107 


to Corinth. Tlio digging was excessive. A slight advance of 
four miles brought a new parallel. In later days, when flank¬ 
ing movements were better understood—the days of Chatta¬ 
nooga, and of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania—the evacua¬ 
tion of Corinth would have been greatly expedited. Without 
designing to be critical, we can only now believe that, in the 
process of education which our generals were receiving, the 
no-intrenchments at Pittsburg led to the excess at Corinth: safe 
practice certainly, but rather expensive, and utterly unneces¬ 
sary. The happy medium was fully developed in our later 
campaigns; but they had all this experience to act upon. 

On the 17tli, the army, eager for action, was enlivened by 
a gallant battle on a small scale—that projected by Sherman 
for the capture of Russels house. This was an important 
eminence, commanding the junction of the roads three hun¬ 
dred yards beyond, and only a mile and a quarter from the 
enemy’s outer intrencliments. General Hurlbut sent two re¬ 
giments and a battery on the road leading from his front to 
Russel’s house. The attacking force consisted of General . 
Denver, with two regiments and a battery, moving by the 
right, and General M. L. Smith in front. The attack was 
successful: the position, found to be of great natural strength, 
was at once fortified and occupied by a large force. 

At length, on the 21st of May, we were fairly in line, three 
miles from Corinth, with detached works in our front corre¬ 
sponding with the general direction of those of the enemy. 
A desperate struggle was at last to be expected, when the 
spade should give way to the bayonet. Would the enemy 
stand up for the fight? No one doubted that he would. 
Corinth would fall, but not before, at least, one desperate 
struggle had been made in its defence. Such was the 
general belief. 

Elliott’s raid. 

The position of Beauregard was now becoming critical: his 
railroad communications were cut at Purdy and Glendale; the 


108 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


bridges bad been destroyed beyond Iuka. To isolate him 
completely, making either a vigorous attack or an evacuation 
the only alternatives, Halleck now ordered his southern com-, 
munications to be interrupted. This was done by Colonel 
Elliott, of the Second Iowa cavalry (a captain in the United 
States cavalry), who, with his regiment and the Second 
Michigan cavalry, marched on the night of the 27tli. His 
route was from Farmington, across the railroad east to Iuka; 
then along the Tuscumbia road to Cartersville and Boones- 
ville, twenty-five miles distant. The expedition was well con¬ 
ducted, and entirely successful: the surprise of the people 
along the route was very great; and there was no little con¬ 
sternation in the army of Beauregard. Elliott destroyed at 
Boonesville five cars loaded with arms, five containing loose 
ammunition, six filled with officers’ baggage, and five with 
subsistence stores. He paroled the prisoners and the sick 
whom he found in his route, burnt trains and depots, and de¬ 
stroyed many locomotives. His work was done in the most 
admirable manner, and he set out upon his perilous return. 
He had been directed, in the event of finding his pathway 
blocked in returning, to strike off, and choose his own route 
to return. But, by taking the Tuscumbia road, he eluded 
pursuit, and joined General Pope’s army on the 31st. For 
this service he was afterwards made, as he fully deserved to 
be, a brigadier-general of volunteers. 


THE EVACUATION OF CORINTH. 

And now, by slow movements, our combined forces have 
closely embraced the Confederate lines. On the 28th, Halleck 
advances three strong reconnoitring columns, one from each 
army: on the 2Sth, also, Sherman attacks a strong position in 
his front, commanded by a house which had been arranged 
for defence, like a blockhouse, and takes it, establishing his 
fines within a thousand yards of the enemy : on the 30th, 
Pope’s batteries are opened. But they will not be needed. 


THE SIEGE OF CORINTH. 


109 . 


Tlie rebels are evacuating Corinth. The fierce display is but 
a mask. They had begun their preparations for retreat on 
the 26th. The musketry ceases on Friday. Soon clouds of 
smoke and sheets of flame announce that Beauregard is firing 
the town; and as he moves out, filling the southern and 
western roads, our forces move in. 

He has destroyed all that he can, and is off. The “ sol¬ 
diers of Shiloh and Elkhorn” may now put “ Corinth” on their 
colors! 

With an immense army, after loud boasts and protestations, 
in a position and with works of amazing strength, why has he 
fled without a blow ? 

His own statements are such as would indeed make De¬ 
mocritus laugh, if he still lived. In his report,, written at Tu¬ 
pelo, on the 13th of June, he declares that he had “ accom¬ 
plished his purposes and ends.” He denies Elliott’s capture 
of cars, etc., and charges him with inhumanities in burning 
his sick soldiers,—criminations ably and boldly answered in a 
letter by Gordon Granger, to which Beauregard has not 
vouchsafed a reply. He says he twice offered battle, which 
we declined; and the appearance he would put upon matters 
is, simply, that the occupation of Corinth was merely a tempo¬ 
rary shift, and that it was to be abandoned when weightier 
matters, then in train, should have made sufficient progress. 
How does this agree with his former declarations, that Corinth 
was “the strategic point of that campaign,” and that “lie 
could hold it ?” The facts in the case are few and simple. 
His strategy was entirely at fault. He must either drive back 
Halleck’s army, or abandon Corinth; he could not stay there. 
When he fought the battle at the landing, he expected to 
overpower Grant. That was his first failure. 

He considered the Mississippi secure, both above and be¬ 
low ; whereas New Orleans and Island No. 10 fell, Vicksburg 
was not yet strong, and Memphis was shaking to its centre. 
Farragut had attacked Forts St. Philip and Jackson on the 18th 
of April; had destroyed the rebel fleet of thirteen gunboats 
and three rams; and had so isolated the forts that they sur- 


110 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


rendered on the 28th. On the same day Lovell retired, and 
New Orleans was ours. By its capture, the heaviest blow of 
the war, up to that time, had fallen upon them. Unprepared 
for such crushing disasters, the entire people of rebeldom be¬ 
gan to exhibit signs of distrust, and even the “ soldiers of 
Shiloh and Elkliorn” were in no condition to bear our attack. 
Under the influence of these moral and strategical causes, 
like the massive portal of that Corinth of which Byron de¬ 
scribes the fall, 

“It bends—it falls—and all is o’er; 

Lost Corintli may resist no more.” 

Virginia was in a blaze of lurid fires, with the advance of 
McClellan. Yorktown was evacuated on the 3d and 4th of 
May; Norfolk on the 10th. Pensacola and Natchez came into 
Federal possession on the 12th. 

The second great rebel line in the West had dissolved like 
the fabric of a dleam, and the enemy must fall back on the 
third and last—that upon which the strategic points were 
Vicksburg, Jackson, Meridian, and Selma. 

Unfortunately, notwithstanding the clear intelligence and 
dashing valor of General O. M.' Mitchel, they were still to 
hold Chattanooga, which was long to be to them a tower of 
strength, and to us a cause of great trouble, carnage, and de¬ 
lay. But, to an unprejudiced eye, it was evident that the de¬ 
cree had gone forth. Line after line had been cut. Boasting 
of victory, they had retreated from every field; but ever hope¬ 
ful, ever deluded by siren voices, the rebels prolonged the 
war, when, by a simple application of military principles, it 
became daily more manifest that success was impossible. 

The occupation of Corinth by our forces was both pictur¬ 
esque and inspiring. From the highest points of the rebel 
intrenchments it was a magnificent sight, on that brilliant 
May morning. The eye ranged over a horizon five miles dis¬ 
tant, and the intervening space was glistening with bayonets; 
fluttering with banners, battle-torn, and inscribed with the ru¬ 
bricated glories of former fields; and busy with martial life. 


THE SIEGE OF CORINTH. 


Ill 


They entered Corinth in triumph and joy ; but, except the 
garrison hastily designated, not to stay there. 

« % 

THE ADVANCE. 

The pursuit was immediately begun. On the 30th, at seven 
in the morning, Pope’s advance drove the small rear-guard of 
rebel cavalry through the town, only stopped for a brief time 
by the burning of a bridge. Gordon Granger, brave and ar¬ 
dent, set out with a brigade and a battery on the Booneville 
road, from Farmington, at noon, and pushed the flying foe 
through Booneville. The next day he had crossed Twenty- 
mile Creek, the main army following close at his heels. On 
the 10th, our advance was at Baldwin and Guntown, still on 
the railroad; and at the latter point the pursuit ended. Beau¬ 
regard had taken a strong position at Tupelo, a few miles be¬ 
low, where the railroad is crossed by Old-town Creek, an 
affluent of the Tombigbee, and Halleck bethought himself of 
the safety of his communications and the strengthening of his 
base. And thus the brief campaign of Corinth was brought 
to an end. 

Although General Grant was not in command, as second in 
rank he was exceedingly active and eager, always on the field, 
constantly making valuable suggestions, and lending import¬ 
ant aid in achieving the final result. His position was a sin¬ 
gular, and in some respects a painful one ; but he was assured 
by Halleck that no censure was intended, but that his position 
was that due to his rank. We have no comments to make. 

We have dwelt upon the siege and capture of Corinth as a 
necessary link in the story of Grant’s life. It was in pursu- * 
ance of the plan formed before the battle of Pittsburg Land¬ 
ing was fought. It opened the- way to the next and immortal 
campaign of Vicksburg, of which he was the projector, and in 
which he was to be the chief actor. To this, after a few de¬ 
tails of organization and preparation, we shall come. 

The Union army returned to Corinth, and remained there 
in busy labors, majdng ready for a new movement, until the 


112 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


10th of June. The Tennessee River was already low, and the 
summer heats would make it lower; so, in order to secure the 
communications when the river should fail, the railroad was 
put in good order to Columbus. Buell, with the Army of the 
Ohio, was detached, and sent towards Chattanooga, while 
Grant’s army occupied the new strategic line of railroad 
which the rebels had lost, from Memphis to Iuka, and which 
they were never to regain. 

CO-OPERATING MOVEMENTS. 

Pending the operations which we have been describing, two 
grand co-operating movements were in progress, which mate¬ 
rially aided the advance on Corinth, and had such important 
direct results that we must briefly allude to them. Indeed, so 
thoroughly are the parts of the great war in relation with 
each other, that no campaign can be properly described with¬ 
out a reference to the co-ordinate movements. 

The first was General Mitchel’s rapid march and captures 
in Northern Alabama ; and the s^ond, the successful advance 
of our naval armament on the Mississippi. Let us take them 
in order. 

mitchel’s march. 

General Ormsby McKnight Mitchel, a graduate of West 
Point, the founder of the astronomical observatory at Cincin¬ 
nati, and the director of that at Albany, had brought to the 
service of the country, energy, intelligence, patriotism, and a 
genius for war. His career in this war was brief but brilliant, 
and his exploits at the Southwest excited the admiration of 
the whole country. 

Originally commanding a division in Buell’s army, he had 
been detached to act, to some degree, independently, when 
that army marched to join Grant at Pittsburg. Early in 
March he was at Murfreesboro’. On the 6th of April he 
marched to Shelbyville; on the 10th he was at Fayetteville, 
and on the 11th he reached Huntsville, in Alabama. There,* 


THE SIEGE OF CORINTH. 


113 


seizing the rolling-stock, he immediately sent out two railway 
expeditions, east and west, to Decatur and Stevenson, con¬ 
ducting the latter in person. He thus threw the whole of the 
adjacent country into a panic. Taking advantage of this, he 
marched towards Chattanooga, which he saw at once to be a 
most important strategic point. He called for re-enforce¬ 
ments, but they could not be had ; and he was fain, therefore, 
to draw back, not having accomplished all he desired, but 
writing, however, to the Secretary of War, under date of May 
1: “ The campaign is ended, and I now occupy Huntsville in 
perfect security ; while all of Alabama, north of the Tennessee 
Biver, floats no flag but that of the Union. 5 ’ In that day of 
experiments and caution, Mitchel’s fault was seeing too far 
and daring too much. 

THE NAVY ON THE MISSISSIPPI. 

Let us now look at the state of affairs on the Mississippi. 
On the 12th of April, Commodore Foote, with his fleet of gun¬ 
boats and mortar-boats, had steamed down the river from 
New Madrid on a new voyage of discovery, with the divisions 
of Stanley, Hamilton, and Palmer on transports. The first 
fortified point where they expected a check was Fort Pillow, 
a strong work on the Tennessee shore, about forty miles above 
Memphis, which was afterwards to have such atrocious noto¬ 
riety for the massacre of our prisoners by Forrest. It stands 
upon the first Chickasaw Bluff, near Islands Nos. 33 and 34, 
and sixty-five miles above Memphis. As our fleet ap¬ 
proached, the rebel gunboats and rams kept retreating down 
at a respectful distance, turning back occasionally to try our 
strength. But when Pope’s army was withdrawn to join the 
advance on Corinth, the expedition of Foote came to an end, 
or rather awaited the fall of Corinth. The effect of that fall 
was like magic. After Beauregard had retreated, Fort Pillow 
was evacuated, on the 4th of June. Fort Bandall, some miles 
below, was abandoned by the enemy soon after, and the great 
river was open to Memphis. 


114 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


* THE FIGHT AT MEMPHIS. 

The people of Memphis, emboldened bj the presence of a 
formidable rebel fleet, and encouraged by the confident pre¬ 
dictions of its commander, Commodore Montgomery, that he 
would “ soon send Lincoln’s gunboats to the bottom,” had col¬ 
lected upon the banks of the river, and at all points of ob¬ 
servation in the city, to see this great sight, not at all doubt¬ 
ful of the result. 

Commodore Foote had, at his own request, on the score of 
his" health, which had greatly suffered, been relieved from 
duty, and our fleet was now in charge of Commodore Charles 
Henry Davis, an officer well known for his scientific attain¬ 
ments, and who was now determined to lose no time in win¬ 
ning honors like those which a grateful country had awarded 
to the gallant Foote. Memphis gave him a splendid opportu¬ 
nity, and he made the most of it. On the 5th of June he left 
Fort Pillow, with a fleet of nine boats—five gunboats, two 
tugs, and Colonel Filet’s two rams, the Queen City and Mon¬ 
arch. To oppose this force Montgomery had eight boats, 
mounting twenty-four guns, most of them rifled and pivoted. 

Want of space, and direct relevancy to the subject, forbid 
our describing the famous battle. It should be read in its ter¬ 
ribly picturesque details. The city on the hill-side, like the 
tiers in an amphitheatre ; the crowding inhabitants, eager, 
bitter, hopeful, and breathless; the hostile lines of armed ves¬ 
sels • the roar of their artillery ; the Queen City; under Colo¬ 
nel Ellet, crushing in the sides of the Price like pasteboard; 
the Monarch, under Captain Ellet, drenching the Beauregard 
with boiling water; the burning of tlie boats; the humanity - 
of Davis and his men, as they pick up the drowning rebels; 
the explosion of the Jeff. Thompson, which shakes Memphis 
to its foundations ; such are some of the elements of this grand 
pictorial display. We can only state the results. The rebel 
flotilla, rammed by Ellet’s boats, and torn to pieces by our 
shot, was put entirely hors de combat. Three of the largest 
vessels, the Price, Beauregard, and Lovell, were sunk; one, 


THE SIEGE kjF CORINTH. 


115 

tlie Jeff. Thompson, was burned; and the three others, the 
Bragg, Sumter, and Little Rebel, were captured. It was a 
clean sweep, and with no loss to ourselves. Colonel Ellet was 
the only man wounded, and his ram, the Queen City, the only 
boat disabled, and that but temporarily. It was a gallant ac¬ 
tion, and will rank high among the most memorable achieve¬ 
ments of the navy. 

Memphis, a hot-bed of treason, was thus brought into our 
possession, on the 6th of June. The river was open to Vicks¬ 
burg, above and below, and the new element, waited and 
longed for by Grant, had at length fairly come into his calcu¬ 
lation. “ On to Vicksburg” was now his cry, not to be abated 
until Vicksburg should fall, and the great river, upon which 
the last chances of rebel success depended, flow, with Union 
boats, barges, and commerce, “ unvexed to the sea.” 


NEW EFFORTS OF THE ENEMY. 

But the rebels w r ere now fairly aw r ake to their condition. If 
the people were alarmed and distrustful, and ready, upon 
Federal occupancy, to “come back to their old allegiance,” 
the responsible leaders, selfish, clever, and determined, made 
good use of the lessons of disaster. The war was inaugurated 
for them and by them, and the people must be made to carry it 
on for their behoof. If they could not, as at first, “ fire the 
Southern heart,” they could at least press the Southern body 
into service; and this they did in a most unscrupulous and ty¬ 
rannical, but effective manner. A sweeping conscription act 
-was passed by the Confederate Congress, giving virtual power 
to the President to call out and place in the military service 
all white men between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, for 
three years or the war. No military despotism was ever so 
severe and so uncompromising. . 

A little later, camps of instruction were established in each 
State : the levies were distributed according to a proportional 
system among the States; lieutenant-generals were appoint¬ 
ed, to command corps and departments; and troops from the 


116 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


same State were brigaded together,—this latter being an infini- 
tessimal concession to the Grand Lama of States-riglits. In 
a word, every nerve was strained by the Confederate authori¬ 
ties to regain lost ground, repair their broken fortunes, and 
achieve, at least, a partial success. 

The results were striking. The disasters of the spring of 
1862 were followed by the successes of the Peninsula, the vic¬ 
tories of the second Bull Bun, and the advance into Mary¬ 
land. Bebel troops gathered in large numbers in the TVest, 
and Grant was to have no easy task in his advance upon 
Vicksburg. 

The first step towards Vicksburg was the capture and occu¬ 
pation of Holly Springs, by Sherman, on the 30th of June. 

Note.— Beauregard left tlie army at Tupelo on the 15th of June, relieving 
himself from duty, on account of ill-health, which he certified by the opinion of 
two surgeons. For two months he was in retirement with his family at Mobile 
and Bladon Springs; and turned up again at Charleston, in an unimportant 
command. He had evidently fallen under the displeasure of the Davis admin¬ 
istration.* 


* The rationale of this is thus presented by the Confederate General Jordan, in an excellent 
article on Jefferson Davis, in Harper's Monthly Magazine for October, 1865: 

“General Beauregard, for some time in bad health, thought it best for the service to take 
advantage of the lull in operations, incident to the position of his army at Tupelo, after the suc¬ 
cessful evacuation of Corinth, and by a short respite from dut}% seek to recuperate. He therefore 
retired to Bladon Springs, some twelve hours distant by railroad, turning over the command to 
General Bragg, with instructions looking to the preparation of the army for the field at once on 
his return, which he anticipated would be in three weeks. But no sooner had Mr. Davis heard 
of this step than he telegraphed General Bragg to assume permanent command. General Beaure¬ 
gard was thus laid on the shelf—not to be reinstated, as Mr. Davis passionately declared, though 
the whole world should urge him to the measure.” 

The last sentence he substantiates by referring to “Notes of interview of CongressioBal Com¬ 
mittee with Mr. Davis, to request restoration of General Beauregard to his command.” 


Note (see page 104). 

The portion of the Army of tlie Tennessee, commanded by General 
Thomas, consisted of the divisions of T. W. Sherman—formerly Thomas’s. of 
the Army of the Ohio—Ilurlbut, W. T. Sherman, McKean, and Davies. That 
commanded by General McClernand, of the divisions of Judah and Lew. 
Wallace. 




IUKA AND CORINTH. 


117 


CHAPTER XI. 

IUKA AND CORINTH. 


After a brief halt, forward.—Administration.—Iuka.—Price marches dp.— 
Grant’s sagacity.—The battle.—Eosecrans and Ord.—Difficult ground.— 
Price retreats southward.—Corinth.—The fortifications.—Price’s attack 
—Van Dorn’s.—The bloody repulse.—Ord and IIurlbut in flank and rear. 
—“IIow does it all sum up?”—Sketches of commanders. 


On tlie 11th of August, by general orders from the War 
Department, General Halleck was assigned to the command 
of “ the Yvdiole land forces of the United States, as general-in- 
chief.” This caused a new arrangement to be made at the 
West; and for the time, until that could be made, it gave Gen¬ 
eral Grant an extended military jurisdiction, great labors of 
administration, and—one good thing at least—“ ample room 
and verge enough” for his new schemes. In the mean time, 
from June till September, there was but little fighting in his 
department. He bent his energy to a thorough reorganiza¬ 
tion, and sent some of his troops, by orders from Washington, 
to- re-enforce Buell’s army, seriously threatened by Bragg’s 
advance through East Tennessee and Kentucky towards the 
Ohio Biver. He also kept his cavalry in constant reconnois- 
sances, to ascertain the position of the enemy, and to guard 
all parts of his command against secret movements and sur¬ 
prises. With his weakened force he could not do more. 

His orders with regard to passes and paroles—carefully 
distinguishing between innocent, suffering citizens and the 
friends and sympathizers of the rebellion—are clear and 
statesmanlike. His treatment of guerrillas, who were batten¬ 
ing, like birds of prey, upon friends and foes alike, was sharp 


Ii8 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


and relentless.* Rebel sympathizers were to pay, by sudden 
seizure of their property, for such depredations. “ The Mem¬ 
phis Avalanche,” a newspaper echoing the secret thoughts of 
the citizens, in an overbold manner, was suddenly suspended 
for uttering treasonable sentiments, and only permitted to 
renew its issue upon the withdrawal of its seditious editor. 
The disposition made of fugitive negroes was practical :f they 

** General Orders, No, GO. 

Headquarters District of West Tennessee, 
Memphis, Tern., July 8, 1862. * 

Tlie system of guerilla warfare now being prosecuted by some troops organ¬ 
ized under authority of the so-called Southern Confederacy, and others without 
such authority, being so pernicious to the welfare of the community where it is 
carried on, and it being within the power of the community to suppress this 
system, it is ofdered, that wherever loss is sustained by the Government, collec¬ 
tions shall be made, by seizure of a sufficient amount of personal property, from 
persons in the immediate neighborhood sympathizing with the rebellion, to 
remunerate the Government for all loss and expense of the same. 

Persons acting as guerrillas, without organization, and without uniform to 
distinguish them from private citizens, are not entitled to the treatment of 
prisoners of war when caught, and will not receive such treatment. 

By order of 

Major-General U. S. Grant. 

John A. Rawlins, A. A. G. 

f We give the following order in full, as indicating the true military course, 
in pursuance of the Act of Congress : 

General Orders, No. 72. 

Headquarters Department of West Tennessee, 
Corinth, Miss., August 11, 1862. 

The recent act of Congress prohibits the army from returning fugitives 
from labor to their claimants, and authorizes the employment of such persons 
in the service of the Government. The following orders are therefore published 
for the guidance of the army in this matter : 

1. All fugitives thus employed must be registered ; the names of the fugi¬ 
tive and claimant given ; and must be borne upon the morning report of the 
command in which they are kept, showing how they are employed. 

2 . Fugitives maybe employed as laborers in the Quartermaster’s, Subsistence 
and Engineer department; and whenever by such employment a soldier may 
be saved to the ranks, they may be employed as teamsters and as company 
cooks, not exceeding four to a company, or as hospital attendants and nurses. 
Officers may employ them as private servants ; in which latter case the fugi¬ 
tives will not be paid or rationed by the Government. Negroes thus employed 
must be secured as authorized persons, and will be excluded from the camps. 



IUKA AND CORINTH. 


119 


were put to useful employment, and kindly treated, wliile 
awaiting tlie further action of the Government concerning 
them. 

In a professedly military work, we have not deemed it 
necessary to dwell upon these details of departmental organi¬ 
zation ; but when all his orders and dispatches are published 
in -a body, as they will be hereafter, they will show that such 
duties form by no means the lightest and easiest labors of a 
general charged with an extensive department. To a military 
man, fighting battles is truly an easier task ; and besides, it 
is not often the case that the commander, who marshals men 
skilfully upon the field, is equal to this more judicial and dip¬ 
lomatic task. The converse is also true. It adds greatly, 
therefore, to the reputation of General Grant, that he could 
do both in so admirable a manner. Sound judgment, clear 
good sense, and pithy expression, characterize all these exec¬ 
utive papers. 

But the wild fire of battle was soon to sweep over his com¬ 
mand, and give him the more technical duties of a general to 
perform. • ^ 


3. Officers and soldiers are positively prohibited from enticing slaves to 
leave tbeir masters. When it becomes necessary to employ this kind of labor, 
the commanding officer of the post or troop must send details, all under the 
charge of a suitable commissioned officer, to press into service the slaves of 
persons to the number required. 

4. Citizens within reach of any military station, known to be disloyal and 
dangerous, may be ordered away or arrested, and their crops and stock taken 
for the benefit of the Government or the use of the army. 

5. All property taken from rebel owners must be duly reported, and used 
for the benefit of the Government, and be issued to the troops through the 
proper department; and when practicable, the act of taking should be accom¬ 
panied by the written certificate of the officer so taking, to the owner or agent 
of such property. 

It is enjoined on all commanders to see that this order is executed strictly 
under their own direction. The demoralization of troops, subsequent upon 
being left to execute laws in their own way, without a proper head, must be 
avoided. By command of 

Major-General Grant. 


John A. Rawlins, A. A. G. 



120 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


General Pope, who had commanded the Army of the Mis¬ 
sissippi, in the advance upon Corinth, had been called away 
to the far more difficult task of commanding the Army of 
Virginia. A personal friend of Mr. Lincoln, and a regular 
officer of Topographical Engineers, his labors in Missouri, 
his success at New Madrid, and his activity at Corinth, 
had preferred him to this dangerous honor. Bosecrans, of 
West Virginia repute, replaced him in command of the Army 
of the Mississippi. Our gunboats were still busy on the Mis¬ 
sissippi. On the 26th of June, the mortar-boats had gone 
down to Vicksburg, and engaged the batteries, now manned 
by a portion of the rebel army wdiich had retreated from 
Corinth. The importance of Vicksburg being now manifest 
to the Confederate authorities, every nerve was strained to 
make it strong against the day of Grant’s attack. 

On the 5th of August, General Breckinridge attacked Baton 
Bouge, but was repulsed, after a terrible struggle, in which 
the Union commander, General Tom Williams, was killed. 

Such are some of the collateral events which bore, more or 
less directly, upon the welfare of Grant’s department. And 
now, Grant’s careful reconnoissances disclosed the rebel 
designs upon his own department, and enabled him to make 
skilful combinations to defeat them. 


THE BATTLE OF IUEA. 

'%■ 

General Sterling Price, with a force of twelve thousand 
men, marched boldly up from the south, to cross the Mem¬ 
phis and Charleston Bailroad at some point between Corinth 
and Tuscumbia, probably at Iuka. As he advanced, on the 
10th of September, to Jacinto, the small Union garrison at 
that place retired to Corinth. Tuscumbia was also evacuated 
by Colonel Murphy, of General Stanley’s division, who fell 
back in haste to Iuka. The little garrison of Iuka was, in 
pursuance of the same general orders, withdrawn to Corinth, 
and Murphy was left behind it, to destroy the stores collected 


IUKA AND CORINTH. 


121 


there, and fall back also upon Corinth. But Price was too 
quick, or Murphy was too slow in destroying the stores, and 
too quick in leaving them, for the latter was driven out by 
Price’s advance, leaving a quantity of supplies undestroyed. 







а. Powell’s Battery. 

б. 63d Ohio. 

c. 43d Ohio. 

d. 27th Ohio. 

e. 39th Ohio. 

f. 8th Wisconsin. 


g. 26th Illinois. 

h. 47th Illinois. 

i. 10th Iowa. 

k. 48th Indiana. 

l. 16th Iowa. 
m. 5th Iowa. 


n. 25th Missouri. 

o. 17th Iowa. 

p. 4th Minnesota. 

q. 11th Ohio Battery. 

r. Spoor’s Battery. 

s. 11th Missouri. 


OPERATIONS AT IUKA. 


The game, the opening of which Grant had been expecting, 
was now becoming interesting. Price occupied Iuka and the 
railroad; but it was manifestly Grant’s intention to permit 
this temporary possession, in order that he might fully discern 
the enemy’s plans, and form his own intelligently. The re¬ 
ports with regard to Price’s designs were numerous, confused, 

and deceptive. Grant’s caution was eminently propel’, and 

6 






- 122 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


# 


was abundantly repaid; for it became evident that Price was 
making a feint to cross tlie Tennessee, as if to follow Buell, 
who was then retreating upon Nashville, in order to draw 
Grant’s forces away from Corinth, upon which stronghold the 
foolhardy, brave, but unskilful Van Dorn was marching with 
all speed. 

But the rebel government was most unfortunate in the 
choice of its generals sent to confront Grant. Van Dorn and 
Price were no match for Grant, Bosecrans, and Ord, either in 
planning or fighting. Their every movement was promptly 
met, their wildest attacks repulsed, and their armies scattered. 
The reader cannot help pitying such military imbecility. 

Grant’s course was now taken. He knew, from his scouts, 
that Van Dorn’s army could not reach Corinth for four days. 
This would give him time to punish Price’s temerity at Iuka, 
and then return to receive Van Dorn’s visit with a warm wel¬ 
come at Corinth. But every hour was of incalculable import¬ 
ance, and there was not a moment’s delay. 

He directed General Ord, with a force of three thousand 
men, having left garrisons at Corinth and other points, to 
move on the left of the railroad, through Burnsville, to Iuka. 
General Boss was telegraphed to come at full speed from ’ 
, Bolivar, on the same route, and, leaving a small rear-guard at 
Burnsville, to join Ord, with three thousand four hundred 
men. This force, six thousand five hundred in all, was to at¬ 
tack Price from the north, wherever he should offer or receive 
battle. 

To complete this programme, Bosecrans was ordered to send 
one division of Stanley’s, with Mizner’s cavalry, by way of Ja¬ 
cinto, to strike the enemy’s flank, while Hamilton moved round 
by the Pulton road, to cut off his southward retreat, or turn it 
into a rout. The force thus commanded by Bosecrans was 
nine thousand men, making the entire Union force in the field 
something more than that of Price; the disparity, however, 
being more than neutralized by the rebel choice of position. 
The combined movement of Grant’s troops began at four 
o’clock in the morning of September 18. That night the 


IUKA AND CORINTH. 


123 


weary troops of Rosecrans, after marching through a drench¬ 
ing rain-storm, bivouacked at Jacinto. 

Advancing early on the 19th, after a sharp fight, they drove 
the rebels in from Barnett’s Corners, and at once pushed on to 
Xuka. There, on an exterior ridge, Rosecrans found Price, and 
there was heavy fighting till night, principally by the Eleventh 
Missouri, Fifth Iowa, and Eleventh Ohio Battery, of Hamil¬ 
ton’s division, which were so admirably handled by that officer, 
that he received the special encomiums of Grant and Rose¬ 
crans. The ground was exceedingly broken, and tangled with 
thickets, and interlaced by small creeks and ravines. It was 
very difficult to bring the troops into action in considerable 
bodies. Most of the fighting was done by congeries of troops, 
where the ground would permit them to be formed. • Superior 
numbers gave small advantage, and yet the action was of the 
severest character. Three or four times the guns of the Elev¬ 
enth Ohio were taken and retaken. But when nightfall 
closed the action, they were in the hands of the enemy. The 
slaughter was great. 

While we behold Rosecrans thus fighting the battle, the 
question arises, Where was Ord ? Grant had started with the 
column of Ord on the’ morning of the 18th; and expected, 
upon reaching the neighborhood of Iuka, to be in constant 
communication with Rosecrans, so that Ord’s troops might 
make a combined and simultaneous movement. 

Arrived upon the ground, the tangled nature of the country 
made it necessary for both commanders to send dispatches a 
long way round. These dispatches arrived too late for con¬ 
cert of action, gave rise to misunderstandings, and prevented 
the timely co-operation of Ord’s force. 

To illustrate the difficulties of the situation: On the 19th, 
at half-past ten o’clock P. M., General Rosecrans, resting upon 
his arms, only two miles southwest of Iuka, sent a dispatch to 
General Grant, stating that he had been heavily engaged for 
several hours, and had lost three pieces of artillery, and ask¬ 
ing for the assistance and co-operation of the troops under 
Ord. This dispatch, which should have been in Grant’s hands 


124 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


in two hours, did not reach him until thirty-five minutes past 
eight the next morning. Grant, stung by the delay, wrote to 
Ord, in urgent language : “ Rosecrans may find his hands full. 
Hurry up your troops—all possible.” Ord, a dashing soldier, 
always ready for a fight, rushed in; but too late for blows. 
Indeed, he had pushed on with the morning light, without 
waiting for orders. To give some idea of the character of the 
country between the two attacking forces, Colonels Dickey and 
Lagow, of Grant’s staff, who had gone to General Rosecrans 
in the afternoon, became lost and entangled in the'woods on 
their return, were out all night, and did not reach head¬ 
quarters until nine in the morning. But the presence of 
Grant and Ord, if not so brilliant a service as the hard fight¬ 
ing of Rosecrans, had greatly conduced to the result. Price 
made double-quick time to Bay Springs, twenty-seven miles 
south, on the Fulton road. One of his best generals, Little, 
was killed. He had lost upwards of a thousand prisoners, left 
his dead unburied, and his w r ounded to our care. From rebel 
sources, w r e learn that, on their retreat, his troops committed 
thefts, burglaries, and every kind of outrage, upon their own 
people, exhibiting a barbarous spirit, which their officers could 
not restrain. Iuka was a success; but it was more as one 
part of General Grant’s complex plan, and in the fact that the 
rebels retreated during the following night, than in the fight¬ 
ing of the 19th, as valorous and terrific as it was.* 

* The following is Grant’s telegraphic dispatch : 

Iuka, Miss., September 20, 1862. 
To Major-General H. W. IIalleck, General-in-Chief: 

General Rosecrans, with Stanley’s and Hamilton’s divisions, and Mizner’s 
cavalry, attacked Price south of this village about two hours before dark yes¬ 
terday, and had a sharp fight until night closed in. General Ord was to the 
north, with an armed force of about five thousand men, and had some skir¬ 
mishing with the rebel pickets. This morning, the fight was renewed by Gen¬ 
eral Rosecrans, who w r as nearest to the town ; but it was found that the enemy 
had been evacuating during the night, going south. Generals Hamilton and 
Stanley, with cavalry, are in full pursuit. 

This will, no doubt, break up the enemy, and possibly force them to abandon 
much of their artillery. The loss on either side, in killed and wounded, is from 



IUKA AND CORINTH. 


125 


If General Grant had not accomplished every thing he had 
hoped—and the capture of Price’s army was one of his 
hopes—he had done much. Price’s plans and his army were 
totally defeated and scattered within the time Grant had pro¬ 
posed to himself. On the 22d, he withdrew his forces, and 
returned to Corinth, to greet Van Dorn. If Price had ever 
meant to move northward, upon Buell’s track, he was making 
good time now in the opposite direction. 

And now having disposed of Price, let us look after Yan 
Dorn, in whose behalf the grand diversion of luka had been 
made. 


THE BATTLE OF CORINTH. 

i 

Although Yan Dom was approaching from the West, it was 
still uncertain where he would attack. Grant, therefore, pro¬ 
vided for the safety of all the posts within the theatre of his 
operations. Bosecrans was marched back through Jacinto to 
Corinth, which he reached on the 26th. Ord went to Bolivar, 
which might be< the point of attack, and from which, in any 
event, he could easily move a succoring force ; and Grant re¬ 
moved his headquarters to Jackson. General Hurlbut was 
thrown out, with his division, towards Pocahontas. The rebel 
generals now combined their forces. Price, by a decided cir- 
cumflexion of about one hundred and eighty degrees, as a 
glance at the map will show, joined Yan Dorn at Dumas. 


four hundred to five hundred. The enemy’s loss, in arms, tents, etc., will he 
Large. We have about two hundred and fifty prisoners. 

I have reliable intelligence that it was Price’s intention to move over east of 
the Tennessee. In this, he has been thwarted. Among the enemy’s loss are 
General Little, killed; and General Whitefield, wounded. 

I cannot speak too highly of the energy and skill displayed by General Rose- 
crans in the attack, and of the endurance of the troops. General Ord’s com¬ 
mand showed untiring zeal; but the direction taken by the enemy prevented 
them from taking the active part they desired. Price’s force was about 
eighteen thousand. 


U. S. Grant, Major-GeneraL 



126 GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 

Tlie force thus united proceeded northward to Pocahontas, 
on the State line, where they met the troops of Mansfield 
Lovell. Thus strengthened, Yan Dorn moved by the railroad 
though Chewalla upon Corinth, once more to become a field 
of carnage, and a scene of rebel discomfiture. 

The rebel defences of Corinth, to which .we formerly al¬ 
luded, had been so extended—fifteen miles of fortification 
requiring a great many men to man them—that when Gen¬ 
eral Halleck occupied the post, he had constructed an inner 
line, more easily defensible by a smaller force. But Grant 
was not satisfied with these. Major F. E.. Prime, the chief 
engineer of General Grant, under his direction, threw up a 
line of batteries on the north front, far inside of Halleck’s 
line, and close to the town of Corinth, having an enfilading 
fire upon the Bolivar and Chewalla roads, and a sweeping 
cross-fire upon all assailable parts of the entire front. On 
the extreme right were the old works of Beauregard; and 
from that point tlie chain of forts reached to the extreme left. 

When General Grant had been appointed, in July, 1862, to 
the command of all the forces in the District of West Tennes¬ 
see and Northern Mississippi, he had examined the defences 
of Corinth, which were then being constructed under the su¬ 
perintendence of General Cullum, and expressed the opinion to 
General Halleck that they would be appropriate if we had 
an army of one hundred thousand men to defend them, 
but that they were of too great extent for the force we then 
had. Immediately upon General Halleck’s departure for 
Washington, these works were pushed forward with energy, 
and by the 25th of September, when Bosecrans took com¬ 
mand, they were nearly completed. To Major Prime, under 
. General Grant’s orders, belongs the credit of laying out and 
constructing the fortifications against which the enemy was 
now about to hurl his masses, with impetuous but unavailing 
valor. 

To a late moment doubtful of the rebel plans, and judging 
that, cognizant as they were of the strength of the works at 
Corinth, the enemy would try a weaker point—unprovided, 


IUKA AND CORINTH. 127 

a \ 

too, with a proper map of tlie country north and west of him— 
General Bosecrans made ready,* like a prudent mariner in 
thick weather, for whatever might befall. 

He called in his outposts from the south and east; sent a 
reconnoissance, under Oglesby, on the Chewalla road, and 
posted his small force well in front to receive him. Stanley 
was stationed beyond Bridge Creek; Oliver, with a brigade 
and a battery, on the left, in advance; Davies in the centre, 
and Hamilton on the right. Mizner’s cavalry was disposed 
in every direction around the town, watching the roads at 
Burnsville, Boneyard, Kossuth, and also in the front. 

At length they came, announcing their plans in person; it 
is on the Chewalla road. Oliver’s brigade is soon hard 
pressed, and is supported by McArthur’s. The fighting, which 
begins with skirmishing, assumes the proportions of a battle. 
The rebel numbers constantly increase. McArthur is pressed 
back in turn, when Davies, next on his left, becomes engaged. 
An interval appears between McArthur and Davies, in which 
the rebels push so vigorously that Davies rapidly falls back a 
thousand yards to save his left flank, and in so doing he loses 
two heavy guns. The rebel advance has been bold and im¬ 
petuous. 

New dispositions were now made, bringing our forces nearer 
the town, when night ended the conflict, which was but the 
herald of a greater. Deceived, however, by the comparative 
ease of his advance, General Yan Dorn sent a telegraph to 
Biclimond, announcing a great victory ! 

The morning of October 4 ushered in the great battle. The 
Confederate line was well closed up to within a thousand 
yards of our works, and during the night they had thrown up 
some batteries in our front. Besides Yan Dorn, Price, and 
Lovell, they had among their generals Yillepigue, Bust, Mau¬ 
ry, and L. Hebert,—all determined men of our old army, but 
gifted, except Hebert, with little military talent. Their troops 
were excellent stuff, and deserved better commanders. 

The ground in front of our position, over which they were 
to come, was of varied character. On the north and east it 


128 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


alternated in hill and swampy land, botli covered by forest- 
trees and undergrowth. 

On the north and west there were fields interspersing the 
woods; in front of the right centre, a swamp; and in front 
of the left centre, impracticable hills. Our left, held by Stan¬ 
ley’s division, was protected by Battery Robinette on the left, 
and Battery Williams on the right. Our centre was on a 
slight ridge, just north of the houses of Corinth, and consisted 
of Davies’ division, slightly retired, with sharp-shooters in 
front, and having Battery Powell on the right. Hamilton’s 
division was on the right, with Dillon’s battery, advanced be¬ 
yond Davies, and having two regiments in rear of his left. 

The first act of the rebels was in the form of a cannonade 
from their newly erected batteries; but these were soon 
silenced by our guns. At half-past nine o’clock they moved 
to the attack upon our centre. The battle raged upon Davies 
and Fort Powell. The Bolivar road, by which they came, was 
swept by our guns: huge gaps were made in their column, 
but, without halting, they opened out in a loose deployment, 
encircling our lines, and losing fearfully as they came up. 
Nothing stopped them. “ They came up,” writes an eye-w T itness 
to the Cincinnati Commercial (October 9), “ with their faces 
averted, like men striving to protect themselves against a driv¬ 
ing storm of hail.” They reach the broad glacis; our troops 
are on the rude covered way, and will certainly repel them, 
were it not for an unaccountable panic which struck a portion 
of Davies’ division. This will never do. Davies struggles 
manfully to check it. Rosecrans flies into their midst, fights 
like a simple grenadier, and, with entreaties, threats, and the 
flat of his sabre, puts an end to the “ untimely and untoward 
stampede,” which was but partial after all.* 

This momentary success has, however, encouraged the Con¬ 
federates. Once and again swept away by the fire of Battery 


* The report of the stampeding of General Davies’ (Second) division was 
premature and exaggerated. It was only partial, and soon checked. General 
Rosecrans indorsed General Davies’ report of the battle; and not only is the 
apparent disgrace removed, but the investigation reflects credit on Davies and 



IUKA AND CORINTH. 


129 


Bichardson, they return to the charge, storm Fort Powell, and 
“the ragged head of the column” even penetrates into the 
town, when a section of Immel’s battery, supported by the 
Tenth Ohio and the Fifth Minnesota, drives them out. Gen¬ 
eral Sullivan comes to Davies’ aid; together they retake 
Battery Powell, while on the extreme right Hamilton’s guns 
sweep the avenues of advance and retreat. 

Such was the failure of Price’s attack on our right centre. 

The attack on the left was conducted by Yan Dorn in per¬ 
son. Under cover of a cloud of skirmishers, he had formed 
his men in column of attack, and twenty minutes after Price 
moved forward, he launched four columns upon Battery Bobi- 
nette and our adjacent lines. His heavy guns are disposed in 
rear. Then began those “ gorgeous pyrotechnics of the bat¬ 
tle,” spoken of by General Bosecrans, the description of 
which he leaves to “ pens dipped in poetic ink.” The fight¬ 
ing was indeed Homeric. From the moment they came in 
sight, until they were within fifty yards of the work, they were 
mowed, and torn, and shattered by grape, shell, and canister; 
and when, after a gallant advance, these brave Mississippi 
and Texas troops pause for a breathing space, before a final 
charge, the Ohio and Missouri regiments, which have been 
lying flat, rise at a signal, and pour in a volley, before which 
the enemy reel and fall back in horror. But even this does 
not keep them long dismayed. They came to take Corinth, 
and they are not going to give it up so easily. 

Once more the devoted band is formed. At least, they now 
know what to expect; they have tried it, and are ready to try 
it again; no coming storm can equal the last in fury. On 
they come, breasting the furious fire of the batteries, every 
gun now double-shotted; they reach the edge of the ditch ; 


his men. That division did yeomen’s service; it bore the brunt of the first 
day’s fight. One of its brigade commanders, the gallant Hackleman, was 
killed; another, Oglesby, was wounded—at the time it was supposed mortally. 
There is no doubt that much confusion existed on the part of the line held by 
this division, on receiving the rebel attack on the morning of the 4th, but it 
did not extend far, and only a portion of the line gave way. 

6 * 




130 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


they are crossing, when the stunning fire of the Eleventh Mis¬ 
souri and Twenty-seventh Ohio is again poured in; the cry of 
the Federal brigade commander, Charge ! rings above the 
noise of battle; the men repeat it, and the regiments, swarm¬ 
ing over their works, chase the broken fragments of these gal¬ 
lant stormers back to the woods; many, crouching in the 
abatis, surrender at discretion, waving their handkerchiefs 
on sticks, and begging to be spared for God’s sake. Van 
Dorn had done no better than Price. By noon the battle was 
ended. After waiting a brief space for the reappearance of 
the enemy, our skirmishers advanced to find-liim gone. Bose- 
crans galloped, in person, to all parts of his line, to inform his 
command, and to give them rest and rations, preparatory to a 
pursuit at daylight. Upon his return, he found McPherson, 
with a fresh brigade, in the square: he had come up after 
the battle, and was directed to take the advance of the 
pursuit. The enemy’s loss was one thousand four hundred 
and twenty-three officers and men killed, and upwards of five 
thousand wounded; two thousand two hundred and forty- 
eight prisoners were taken, with fourteen colors and two 
guns.* They were pursued forty miles by the entire force, 
and sixty miles with cavalry. 

Back, like the long of France, posted the rebels, on the 
Chewalla road, to the bridge across the Tuscumbia, near Po¬ 
cahontas, and a body was detached to guard the crossing of 
the Hatchie; but they were not yet through their troubles. 
A thorn was in their side. One part of Grant’s plans had 
been most gallantly carried out by Bosecrans, at Corinth ; the 
complementary part was to come. Plurlbut had been sent to 


*The troops engaged in the battle of Corinth were: Hamilton’s division, 
containing the brigades of Buford and Sullivan; Davies’ division, brigades of 
Oglesby and Hackelman ; Stanley’s division, nine regiments ; McArthur’s and 
Oliver’s brigades, commanded by McArthur: batteries—First Missouri; Third 
Michigan; Company F, United States artillery; Tenth and Eleventh Ohio; 
Eighth and Twelfth Wisconsin; three Missouri companies. The Batteries 
Robinette, Richardson, etc., were named from their commanders. Captain 
Richardson was killed. 




IUKA AND CORINTH. 


131 


attack the enemy’s rear, or intercept liis retreat. On the 
morning of October 5th, near Pocahontas, he met the head of 
Yan Dorn’s retreating column, and was driving it back across 
the Hatcliie, towards Corinth, when Ord came up and took 
command. The fighting was severe. Late in the afternoon, 
Ord fell, severely wounded, and Hurlbut assumed the com¬ 
mand. The disheartened rebels, battle-worn and weary with 
the rapid flight, were driven by Ord’s impetuosity to make a 
wide circuit, and cross the Hatcliie at Crum’s Mill, six miles 


General Orders, No. 88. 

Headquarters Department oe West Tennessee, 
Jackson, Tenn., October 7, 1862. 

It is with, heartfelt gratitude the general commanding congratulates the 
armies of the West for another great victory won by them on the 3d, 4tli, and 
5th instant, over the combined armies of Van Dorn, Price, and Lovell. 

The enemy cLose his own time and place of attack, and knowing the troops 
of the West as he does, and with great facilities for knowing their numbers, 
never would have made the attempt, except with a superior force numerically. 
But for the undaunted bravery of officers and soldiers, who have yet to learn 
defeat, the efforts of the enemy must have proven successful. 

Whilst one division of the army, under Major-General Rosecrans, was resist¬ 
ing and repelling the onslaught of the rebel hosts at Corinth, another, from 
Bolivar, under Major-General Hurlbut, was marching upon the enemy’s rear, 
driving in their pickets and cavalry, and attracting the attention of a large 
force of infantry and artillery. On the following day, under Major-General 
Ord, these forces advanced with unsurpassed gallantry, driving the enemy 
back across the Hatchie, over ground where it is almost incredible that a su¬ 
perior force should be driven by an inferior, capturing two of the batteries 
(eight guns), many hundred small-arms, and several hundred prisoners. 

To those two divisions of the army all praise is due, and will be awarded by 
a grateful country. 

Between them there should be, and I trust are, the warmest bonds of 
brotherhood. Each was risking life in the same cause, and. on this occasion, 
risking it also to save and assist the other. No troops could do more than 
these separate armies. Each did all possible for it to do in the places assigned it. 

As in all great battles, so in this, it becomes our fate to mourn the loss of 
many brave and faithful officers and soldiers, who have given up their lives as 
n sacrifice for a great principle. The nation mourns for them. 

By command of 

Major-General U. S. Grant. 


John A. Rawlins, A. A. G. 



132 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


above. Hosecrans was recalled from tlie pursuit, and Grant 
was master of tlie field for future movements. 

On the receipt of the intelligence at Washington, Mr. Lin¬ 
coln telegraphed his congratulations, and asked the question : 
“How does it all sum up?” This is a significant inquiry, 
which we may now answer. The brief campaign had demon¬ 
strated the clearness of Grant’s military judgment, and the 
admirable interrelation of his plans. Doubtful of the purposes 
of Price and Yan Dorn, he lured the former onward to Iuka, 
to obtain the desired information. When he found that they 
were in collusion, and that Price was trying to draw him off, 
that Yan Dorn might attack, he calculated his time, sent Ord 
and Hosecrans to whip Price, and to return in time to beat 
Yan Dorn. Yan Dorn, foolhardily, advanced on Corinth, and 
Grant, confiding that part to Hosecrans, set a trap for Yan 
Dorn’s retreat. All this was clock-work, calculated to hours, 
if not to minutes. 

Of the principal officers on both sides, we may draw hasty 
pen-and-ink sketches, which we believe will be recognized by 
their acquaintance: 

Hosecrans.— This general, a graduate of West Point, in the 
engineers, of 1842, is active, earnest, and especially enthusias¬ 
tic. He became a Homan Catholic, after having been a ver \ 
devout Episcopalian, and is a proselyter. Having found what 
he thinks the good way, he spares no efforts to bring others 
into it. Cheerful, easy of access, careless in matters of dress 
and show, his hold on his army is by means of his knowledge, 
his intense interest in the least of his military duties, and his 
great valor in the field. The reputation gained by his suc¬ 
cesses in West Yirginia, and his victories at Iuka and Corinth, 
was increased by the battle of Stone Hiver, and somewhat im¬ 
paired by that of the Chickamauga. 

Ord. —Ord is essentially a fighting man, on the lookout for 
a chance of battle, and yet not wanting in that cool judgment 
which makes the general. His defeat of Stuart’s rebel brigade, 
at Drainesville, was of great moral value at the time, and 
drew from his friend and fellow-brigadier, John F. Reynolds, 


IUKA AND CORINTH. 


133 


* 


himself a fighting general, the remark : “ Confound that fel¬ 
low ! I knew, if there was a fight to be scared up, Ord would 
find it.” 

Van Dorn. —This doughty Confederate cavalier, of Rose- 
crans’ class at West Point, has greatly astonished his old as¬ 
sociates. West Point men of his time remember him as a 
small, handsome, modest youth; literally at the foot of his 
class. In Mexico, he wns on the staff of General P. P. Smith, 
and was very popular; for, to his other qualities he added 
dashing bravery. His conspicuous course in the rebel in¬ 
terests, at the breaking out of the war, deceived them into 
thinking him a general. A good soldier he certainly was— 
brave, dashing, a splendid horseman; but he lacked head , and 
was always taking his men into cuts de sacs. He died by the 
hand of a man who believed that he had seduced his wife. 


/ 



« 


134 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


/ 


CHAPTER X. 

/ 

* 

THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE. 

The extent of Grant’s command.—Districts.—Retrospect.—Williams’ canal.— 
Farragut’s fleet.—The Arkansas destroyed.—Grant moves.—Pemberton in 

COMMAND OF THE REBEL ARMY.—GRANT’S ARMY AND STAFF.—TRADE.—TELE VALUE 

of Vicksburg.—Port Hudson.—The Tallahatchie.—Hovey’s movement.— 
The prospect bright.—Murphy's surrender.—Sherman’s ■expedition to Vicks¬ 
burg.—Unsuccessful.—Arkansas’ Post.—Army corps.—Emancipation procla¬ 
mation, AND COLORED TROOPS. 


By general orders from the War Department, bearing date 

of October 16, 1862, General Grant was assigned to the ex- 

• , 

tended command entitled the Department of the Tennessee. 
He had virtually -exercised it before, since the departure of 
General Halleck; but he officially assumed it, by a general 
order, on the 25tli of October. It included Cairo, Ports Henry 
and Donelson, Northern Mississippi, and those portions of 
Tennessee and Kentucky west of the Tennessee River. His 
headquarters were at Jackson, Tennessee, from which he 
could most conveniently organize and arrange for supplies and 
re-enforcements to carry out his new plans—plans, as the se¬ 
quel proved, of colossal dimensions, and testing the utmost 
endeavors of a great commander. Buell having been defeated 
at Perryville on the 8th of October, Bragg began a leisurely 
retreat on the 12tli; and, to expedite it, Rosecrans superseded 
Buell on the 30th. 

Grant’s first care was to make a provisional division of his 
department into districts. His force was in four divisions, 
and they were thus posted : Major-General Sherman, with the 
first division, commanded the district of Memphis ; Major- 
General Hurlbut, with the second, that of Jackson. The dis¬ 
trict of Corinth was in charge of Brigadier-General C. S. 


TIIE DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE. 


135 


Hamilton, with the third division; and that of Cohimbus 
was in charge of Brigadier-General T. A. Davies, with the 
fourth. 

His executive and administrative ability were now displayed 
in preparations for the new campaign, and, not less, in liis 
control of the conquered territory which he commanded. He 
republished and carried, out the judicious order of General 
Halleck (No. 160), principally limiting the kinds and numbers 
of army trains, baggage, etc., cutting down these impedimenta 
to the smallest figure, both for officers and men; and he set 
the example so rigorously himself, that during the ensuing 
campaign, his own baggage was said to be a toothbrush: 
nothing more—not even a clean shirt. 

Yicksburg, not within his command, but in the Depart¬ 
ment of the Gulf, was the grand objective point, blocking the 
river, and daily growing stronger. It was a problem of very 
difficult solution: the greater honor to him who should work 
it out. 

RETROSPECT OF OPERATIONS ON THE RIVER. 

i 

To preserve the chronological order, let us state, very 
briefly, what had been already attempted in the Department 
of the Gulf. The grand co-operation of the fleet needs, and 
will have, its own historian : we can only now refer to it 
briefly, to subserve our present purpose. Memphis, notwith¬ 
standing Montgomery’s boasts and the sure hopes of the 
citizens, had fallen on the 6th of June. 

On the 20th, the gallant Brigadier-General Thomas Wil¬ 
liams had left Baton Rouge, and gone up to Yicksburg, with 
four regiments and eight field-guns. On the 25th he was off 
Yicksburg, and, unmolested, had begun to cut a navigable 
canal across the sharp turn of the river, which, if successful, 
would change the channel, and throw the city and its defences 
six miles inland. It was apparently a light task, and with 
tvfelve hundred negroes, taken from the neighboring planta¬ 
tions, was rapidly carried to completion; but alas! when, on 


136 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


the 22d of July, it was finished, and the small barrier knocked 
away, the waters refused the passage, with what seemed 
singular caprice. A simple plough-furrow had elsewhere 
frequently changed the channel in a single night, but a larger 
and more inviting cut-off was now unsuccessful. So the siege, 
if it can be called one, was abandoned. Williams went back, 
without delay, to strengthen Baton Rouge, and unhappily 
to fall there on the 5th of August; and the rebels lost no time 
in filling up the canal. 

THE FLEET OF FAREAGUT. 

Farragut had steamed up on the 7th of June, the day after 
the capture of Memphis, and had silenced the Grand Gulf 
batteries on the 8th. On the 28tli of the same month he had 
sent seven vessels past, silencing the lower batteries, and had 
then joined Flag-Officer Davis, who had brought down SQme 
four gunboats and six mortar-boats from the upper fleet, on 
the 1st of July; and Porter had again engaged the water- 
batteries below with the remainder of Farragut’s fleet; but 
after an ineffectual bombardment, the rapid falling of the river 
threatening a dearth of water for the larger boats, Farragut’s 
fleet was obliged to fall down the river to New Orleans. 

Up the Yazoo River, the mouth of which is about twelve? 
miles north of Vicksburg, the rebels had constructed a formi¬ 
dable ram, the Arkansas, which strengthened the defence?] 
principally by menacing the fleet. She came down the river 
to Vicksburg on the 15th of July, ready for any work ; and 
was soon sent down to Baton Rouge, to aid the attack of 
Breckinridge on the 5th of August, and was there destroyed 
by Colonel Ellet’s ram, the Essex. 

GRANT MOVES. 

With these few words, merely, to connect the great events 
in Grant’s military history, let us return to his own move¬ 
ments. We have said that the great objective was Vicks- 


TIIE DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE. 137 

burg. The immediate objective was the army of Pember¬ 
ton, which lay on the line of the Mississippi Central Rail¬ 
road, principally at Abbeville, behind the Tallahatchie River, 
and in the vicinity of Holly Springs, Mississippi. Its ad¬ 
vance was near Grand Junction and La Grange. 

On the 4th of November, his preparations having been 
completed,—his forces having been concentrated from Cor.- 
inth, Jackson, and Bolivar,—Grant moved to La Grange, 
three miles east of Grand Junction, on the Memphis and 
Charleston Railroad, pushing the enemy’s advance back 
towards Holly Springs, and utterly neglecting, to the amaze¬ 
ment of the rebels, their movements to the east and south, 
which were intended to draw him off in that direction. 
Grant’s reconnoissances were now constant and energetic. 
Colonel A. L. Lee had first seized Ripley and Orizaba, hold¬ 
ing them for twenty-four hours ; and then, followed by two 
divisions under McPherson, had made a dash upon Lamar, on 
the railroad, and Hudsonville, defeating the rebel cavalry 
at the latter place. These and other approaches developed 
the enemy as intending to hold the line of the Tallahatchie 
River, and being in chief force in advance at Holly Springs 
and Coldwater, on the two railroads. Here Yan Dorn had 
collected his forces and fortified the river-line. But Yan 
Dorn, although a brave soldier, was a weak man, and by no 
means competent to encounter and defeat the Union strategy. 
His name was not a tower of strength to the rebels, and the 
Union generals began to despise his strategy. 

But the rebel government was now fairly awake to the 
danger. As early as June 16tli, the State archives had been 
removed from Jackson, to guard against dangers from the river 
approaches ; and now, in order to make head against these for¬ 
midable land approaches, they had overslaughed Yan Dorn 
and Lovell, by appointing as lieutenant-general John C. Pem¬ 
berton, a junior major-general, and sending him to command in 
and around Yicksburg. He was a better general than either, 
but not much, and his great unpopularity more than neutral¬ 
ized his superiority. 


138 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


On tlie 2d of November, Lovell, who had been north of 
Holly Springs, fell back; but he was promptly ordered for¬ 
ward again by Pemberton, whose troops were strewed along 
the railroad for facility of transportation ;—Price, seven miles 
below Lovell, with twelve thousand men ; and twenty-two 
miles further south, at Abbeville, a conscript camp. 

Up to this time, notwithstanding his successes, Grant’s 
army had not received that attention and consideration from 
the Government which it deserved. This was no designed 
neglect, but the situation in Virginia absorbed the general 
interest: little stress was laid upon the West. He had not 
been properly furnished with regular and instructed officers. 
With the aid of the few who were with him, he had every 
thing to make. His staff, selected with the rare sagacity 
which has sinc§ been more noticed in his later career, was at 
this time composed of men who were making themselves. 
Among them were—Brigadier-General J. D. Webster, the artil¬ 
lery hero of Pittsburg Landing, who was now superintendent 
of military railroads ; J. A. Rawlins, then a lieutenant-colonel, 
chief of staff, since a brigadier-general and brevet major- 
general in the regular army, an able staff-officer, the constant 
companion of his fortunes ; T. S. Bowers, then captain, now 
colonel and aid-de-camp. Major F. E. Prime, ‘of the En¬ 
gineers, and Lieutenant J. H. Wilson, of the Topographical 
Engineers, were the only two regular officers on that large v 
staff,* and although excellent, not of the proper rank. The 
great characteristic of military genius is its creative power ; 
and Grant was now attempting the most difficult movement 
known to the military art, with a thoroughly improvised army : 
the greater glory, should he succeed. 

ADMINISTRATION. 

His military plans were greatly impeded by the civil and 
municipal difficulties incident to the state of war. The influx 


* Prime, we have understood, declined promotion in the volunteers. Wil 
son became a most efficient cavalry general. 



THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE. 139 

of negroes into liis department, and tlieir unsettled condition, 
gave liim no little trouble. They were not yet declared free ; 
they were escaping from their masters in vast crowds; many 
were playing a double part, at once fugitives and spies ; they 
were encumbering his army, and eating his substance. To 
remedy this, he established a camp for them, as early as No¬ 
vember 14,* and had them “ organized into companies, and 
set to work, picking, ginning, and baling all cotton now out¬ 
standing in the fields.” His orders against plundering—that 
bane of all armies—were very severe, and most vigorously car¬ 
ried out. An offending regiment, the Twentieth Illinois,—which 
had broken into a store at Jackson, Tennessee, and robbed it 
of property to the value of upwards of one thousand dollars,— 
he punished! by assessing the amount on the pay of certain 
officers, who were improperly absent, or derelict in their duty ; 
and then he mustered two of their number out of the service. 
The subject of trade, as injurious to military operations in 
insurrectionary States, engaged his serious attention, and he 
long refused to permit it to be carried on. The Jews as a 
class, principally German Jews, having given him great trouble 
in connection with this subject, he excluded them, for some 
time, from his department. As illustrating their great plia¬ 
bility, we may state that they fell also under the rebel ban, for 
the alacrity with which, upon the surrender of Vicksburg, 
they “ went forward and took the oath of allegiance to the 
United States.”! 

Urged, at length, with great cogency of reasoning, he al¬ 
lowed a partial trade ; but, when asked to name persons who 
should conduct it, he was sagacious enough to refuse, declar¬ 
ing that he w^ould at once be accused of complicity, for his 
own pecuniary benefit. 

Vicksburg, upon which Grant had concentrated his 
thoughts, and which had been in the department of General 
Banks, was now placed in Grant’s department, and he was in 


* Orders of that date. f Orders of November 16. 

\ Pollard, Third Year, p. G9. 



140 GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 

i 

readiness to demonstrate upon it. To epitomize tlie value of 
his success, should he capture it, we may quote the words of 
Sherman, in his speech at St. Louis: “ The possession of 
the Mississippi is the possession of America.” Vicksburg 
alone kept us from that possession. And Jefferson Davis, in 
his speech to the Legislature of Mississippi, on the 26th of 
December, declared that the fall of Vicksburg would “ cut off 
their communication with the Trans-Mississippi department, 
and sever the western portion of the Confederacy from the 
eastern.” The great hope of the rebels, after their defeat at 
Island No. 10, was centred in Vicksburg and Memphis; and 
when the latter fell, Vicksburg was their best bower in the 
West. As soon as the demonstration of General Williams 
upon the city had failed, they had gone to work with great 
vigor to render it impregnable, strengthening the garrison 
and fortifying every available point with heavy earthworks. 

As a strong outwork to Vicksburg, on the 25th of Novem¬ 
ber they had also fortified Port Hudson, on the left bank, 
twenty-five miles above Baton Bouge, and the terminus of the 
Clinton Bailroad. This inclosed a long stretch of the river, 
free from our gunboats, through which stores and troops 
might pass, and giving free communication with the rich pro¬ 
ductions of Texas, upon which they depended as a store¬ 
house. The eyes of the country, and of military men through¬ 
out the world, were now turned with great interest upon Grant. 
Moving down by the railroads which met at Grenada, it was 
evident that the first line which the rebels would oppose to 
his advance, was that of the Tallahatchie and its parallel 
streams, upon which a small force, judiciously posted, might 
give great trouble to a large army. But the rebel generals 
were, as we have said, no match for the strategy of Grant. 

THE TALLAHATCHIE. 

While the main army was openly moving down from Grand 
Junction against the rebel forces strongly posted at Abbeville, 
on the Tallahatchie, and Sherman was moving from Memphis 



THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE. 141 

direct on the same point, a co-operating force from Helena, 
unexpected by the rebels, was about to close the Tallahatchie 
region, as by a magic w T and. This force, seven thousand 
strong, under Generals A. P. Hovey and Wasliburne, arrived 
at Delta, near the mouth of the Yazoo Pass, on the 28th of 
November. This was to flank the rebels, compel them to fall 
back, clep,r the country for Grant’s advance, and gain un¬ 
disputed possession of. the rich resources of Northern Missis¬ 
sippi. . . 

The exact character of the following movements requires 
some care in the study of the component elements, without 
which the reader is liable to fall into confusion. To state the 
plan in Sherman’s sententious phrase : “ Grant moved direct 
on Pemberton, while I moved from Memphis, and a smaller 
force under General Washburne struck directly for Grenada; 
and the first thing Pemberton knew, the depot of his supplies 
was almost in the grasp of a small cavalry force, and he fell 
back in confusion, and gave us the Tallahatchie without a 
battle.” * Yfithout space for many details, let us attempt to de¬ 
scribe these allied movements, with their issues. The strategy 
was beautiful, and admirably executed. The conception of 
these movements was Grant’s. Detailed dispatches give the 
itinerary : it was rapid and vigorous. On the 29th of Novem¬ 
ber, Grant’s advance was at Holly Springs; on the 30tli, at 
Waterford; and, on the 1st of December, a junction was 
formed with Sherman. 

General Hovey started from Helena on the 27th of Novem¬ 
ber, and on the 28th was at Delta. Distributing his cavalry, 
that of Washburne proceeded to Cold Water, where it captured 
a rebel camp ; then the forces moved along the Cold Water and 
Tallahatchie rivers southward, by a rapid march via Preston, 
to Garner’s station, just north of Grenada, destroying the 
railroad and bridges ; then to Charleston and Mitchell’s cross¬ 
roads, both knots of country roads; northward still to Panola 
and Oakland, on the Memphis road, and thence to Coffeeville, 


* Speech at St. Louis. 




142 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. • 


on tliat to Grand Junction. The work was ^ell and thor¬ 
oughly done ; the enemy’s rear was seriously endangered; 
steamboats and many river-craft were destroyed on the Talla¬ 
hatchie ; the railroad from Memphis to Grenada broken up; 
cars and locomotives burned and destroyed. Pressed in front 
by Grant, the rebel astonishment turned to panic; a precipi¬ 
tate retreat was all that was left to Pemberton, and so he fell 
back to Grenada, even while Hovey was quietly moving back 
to Helena. Perhaps Hovey was moved back too soon. 

Pemberton retreated from the Tallahatchie on the 1st of 
December, leaving a small force at the railroad-bridge across 
that river; but they did not seriously dispute the passage. 
Onward still, the cavalry skirmishing at Abbeville, until, on 
the 3d of December, his headquarters were at Oxford, with his 
cavalry well in advance, driving Yan Dorn out of Water Val¬ 
ley and Coffeeville, on the railroad. A glance at the map will 
at once display the value of Hovey’s march, at this juncture, 
in preparing the way for the main army. To add to the rebel 
misfortunes, it was now learned that the United States gun¬ 
boats were in the Yazoo, and steaming up to take them in 
rear, and perhaps cut off their retreat. One of our gunboats, 
the Cairo, was exploded by a rebel torpedo. 

sherman’s expedition. 

The first act thus auspiciously performed, Grant proposed 
to General Halleck to hold the enemy south of the Yalabuslia, 
and move a force from Memphis and Helena on Vicksburg; 
and, in reply, received orders from General Halleck to send 
the proposed expedition against Vicksburg. General Sher¬ 
man was selected for the command ;* and Morgan L. Smith’s 

* The following is'General Grant’s order to Sherman: 

Headquarters, Thirteenth Army Corps, 

Department of the Tennessee, Oxford, Miss., Dec. 8, 1862. 
Major-General W. T. Sherman, Commanding Right Wing: 

General —Aou will proceed with as little delay as possible to Memphis, 
Tenn., taking with you one division of your present command. On your arrival 
at Memphis, you will assume command of all the troops there, and that portion 





TIIE DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE. 


143 


division, then near Oxford, immediately started back to 
Memphis to form part of the expedition. It was confidently 
believed, that if Sherman moved with all possible dispatch, 
he would be able, with the force at his command, and the co¬ 
operation of the navy, under Admiral Porter, to surprise and 
capture Vicksburg. • If he should find this impracticable, it 
was almost certain that he would be able to take and hold 
Haines’ Bluff, operate against the enemy’s lines, and open up 
to General Grant the Yazoo Biver as a line of supplies; while 
Grant should press Pemberton in front, and hold him in force 
in the Yalabusha, until the result of Sherman’s attack should 
be known.* * 


of General Curtis’s force at present east of the Mississippi River, and organi/.e 
them into brigades and divisions in your own way. As soon as possible, move 
with them down the river, to the vicinity of Vicksburg ; and, with the co-opera¬ 
tion of the gunboat fleet under command of Flag-Oflicer Porter, proceed to the 
reduction of that place, in such manner as circumstances and your own judg¬ 
ment may dictate. 

The amount of rations, forage, land transportation, etc., necessary to take 
will be left entirely with yourself. The quartermaster at St. Louis will be in¬ 
structed to send you transportation for thirty thousand men. Should you still 
find yourself deficient, your quartermaster will be authorized to. make up the 
deficiency from such transports as may come into the port of Memphis. 

On arriving in Memphis, put yourself in communication with Admiral Porter, 
and arrange with him for his co-operation. 

Inform me at the earliest practicable day of the time when you will embark, 
and such plans as may then be matured. I will hold the forces here in readi¬ 
ness to co-operate with you in such manner as the movements of the enemy 
may make necessary. 

Leave the district of Memphis in the command of an efficient officer, and 
with a garrison of four regiments of infantry, the siege-guns, and whatever 
cavalry may be there. 

(Signed) U. S. Grant, Major-General. 

* The following letter of General Sherman to Admiral Porter gives his 
views of the movement. 

Headquarters Eight Wing, Army of the Tennessee, 
Oxford, Miss., Dec. 8, 1862. 

Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter, 

Commanding U. 8. Na val Forces, Cairo, Ills.: 

The movement thus far has been eminently successful. General Grant, 
moving down directly upon the enemy’s strong lines behind the Tallahatchie, 



144 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


On the 14th of December, General Grant telegraphed to 
Sherman, in cipher, as follows :— 

I have not had one word from Grierson since he left, and am getting 
uneasy about him. I hope General Gorman will give you no difficulty about 
returning the troops that were on this side of the river, and Steele to command 
them. The twenty-one thousand men you have, with twelve thousand from 
Helena, will make a good force. The enemy are as yet in the Yalabusha. I 
am pushing down on them slowly, but so as to keep up the impression of a 
continuous move. I feel particularly anxious to have the Helena cavalry on 
this side of the river—if not now, at least after you start. If Gorman will send 
them, instruct them where to go, and how to communicate with me. My head¬ 
quarters will probably be in Coffeeville, one week hence. In the mean time, I 
will be at Springdale. It would be well if you could have two or three small 
boats, suitable for navigating the Yazoo. It may become necessary for me to 
look to that base for supplies before we get through. 

(Signed) U. S. Grant, Major-General. 

while the Helena force appeared unexpectedly'. on their flank, utterly con¬ 
founded them, and they are now in full retreat, and we are at a loss where they 
will bring up. We hope they will halt and reform behind the Yalabusha, with 
Grenada as their centre. If so, General Grant can press their front, whilst I 
am ordered to take all the spare troops from Memphis and Helena, and proceed 
with all dispatch to Vicksburg. 

Time now is the great object. We must not give .time for new combina¬ 
tions. I know you will promptly co-operate. It will not be necessary to en¬ 
gage their Vicksburg batteries until I have broken all their inland communi¬ 
cation ; then Vicksburg must be attacked by land and water. In this I will 
defer much to you. 

My purpose will be to cut the road to Munroe, La., to Jackson, Miss., and 
then appear up the Yazoo, threatening the Mississippi Central road where it 
crosses the Big Black. 

These movements will disconcert the enemy, and throw them on to Me¬ 
ridian, especially as General Grant presses them in front. All this should be 
done before the winter rains make General Grant’s road impassable. I will 
leave for Memphis to-morrow, Tuesday night, and will reach Memphis with 
one of my old divisions Friday night. We ought to leave Memphis before the 
20th, and I do earnestly desire you should meet me there. At all events, even 
if the larger gunboats cannot proceed at once, send those of light draught 
down, with Captains Phelps, Gwinn, Shirk, or some officer to assist me in the 
preliminary work. Of course, Vicksburg cannot be reduced till you arrive with 
the large gunboats. 

General Grant’s purpose is to take full advantage of the effects of this Talla¬ 
hatchie success. 

I am, with great respect, 

(Signed) W. T. Sherman, Major-General commanding. 





THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE. 


145 


Never did human hopes have a brighter prospect; never 
had skilful combinations been more beautifully successful. 
Grant confined his operations against the enemy to such as 
seemed most probable to secure the success of his part in the 
grand movement. He pushed slowly but steadily forward 
towards Grenada, and sent cavalry expeditions against Pem¬ 
berton’s lines of communication and both his flanks, and 
menaced his front, while Sherman was about to. make a grand 
attack on Vicksburg, by the Mississippi and Yazoo. Grant 
had left small but adequate garrisons at all the principal 
points in his rear: among them "were Columbus, Humboldt, 
Trenton, Jackson, Bolivar, Corinth, Holly Springs, Cold 
Water, Davis’s Mills, and Middleburg. He had neglected 
no precaution, and now he was about to grasp the glittering 
prize, when suddenly, in a moment, the prospect was blasted, 
the entire movement defeated, and a disaster which he could 
not anticipate was to fall upon his advance, and Sherman’s 
gallant, but unaided attack. 

As a lesson to all military men who may fall into isolated 
command, it is valuable; otherwise, it was an unalloyed dis¬ 
aster. 

murphy’s surrender of holly springs. 

The story is a very brief one. As soon as Van Dorn was 
assured of the return of Hovey’s expedition, he took heart, 
and determined to attack some of the garrisoned posts in 
Grant’s rear; to destroy the railroad-bridges all along from 
Columbus to Corinth; and thus to force him to abandon or 
postpone his grand movement. In a military point of view, 
Van Dorn deserves credit for this plan, which, aided by the 
disgraceful conduct of one man, was entirely successful. 
That man was Colonel E. C. Murphy, who had been intrusted 
with the command of Holly Springs, and who, upon being 
surrounded by rebel cavalry, surrendered his post without 
striking a single blow, on the 20th of December, while Grant 

was at Oxford, thirty miles away. Murphy had taken no pre- 

7 


146 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


cautions, although, he knew what threatened, and had left the 
garrison in ignorance of all danger. It is difficult to under¬ 
stand his apparent unconcern at the vast issues which de¬ 
pended upon his holding out until he had not a man left. 
But we need not stop to moralize : he gave up the post, with 
vast quantities of ammunition, quartermaster, commissary, 
and medical stores, and one thousand bales of cotton. The 
blow fell like a stroke of lightning. Grant’s communications 
were cut, the vast plans and preparations rendered useless, 
and the siege of Vicksburg indefinitely postponed. Grant fell 
back to Holly Springs. 

Other attacks the rebels had made, at Cold Water, Da¬ 
vis’s Mills, and Middleburg, which were bravely repulsed. 
Murphy was disgraced and dismissed, and all that Grant 
could do was to plan again, and hope for better aid in the 
future.* 

This failure, lamentable in itself, was the more to be re¬ 
gretted because, in the summer, only a short time before, 
Pope had been signally defeated at Centreville on the 28th of 
August, at Manassas on the 30th, and at Chantilly on the 1st 
of September ; and because the battle of Antietam was not a 
compensating victory. The battle of Perryville, on the 8th of 
October, was not to our advantage; and the chapter of dis¬ 
asters or barren victories was crowned with horrors by the 
wholesale slaughters of Predericksburg, on the 13th of De¬ 
cember. 

But whoever might despair, Grant did not. Every one who 
has read his history thus far must have been struck with his 
singular tenacity of purpose. Not a day was lost in irresolu¬ 
tion ; preparations were at once made for putting a new plan 
into execution. 

And here let us pause to give a brief sketch of Sherman’s 
fortunes, in the campaign which reached such an untimely 
end. 


* The raiders of Forrest, in Grant’s rear, were finally dispersed by General 
Sweeny. 



THE DEPARTMENT OF TTIE TENNESSEE. 


147 


Sherman.’s expedition to Vicksburg, like all tlie actions of 
that brilliant general, was carefully prepared, well-timed, and 
admirably conducted. With only a general knowledge of the 
ground upon which he was to attack, he embarked his troops 
at Memphis and Helena, and on the 21st of December, the day 
after the surrender of Holly Springs, but in unhappy igno¬ 
rance of that fact, his fleet of sixty transports, convoyed by 
Admiral Porter, with three gunboats, rendezvoused at Friar’s 
Point. His army, called the “ Eight Wing of the Army of 
the Tennessee,” was composed of four divisions, under Gen¬ 
erals G. W. Morgan, M. L. Smith, A. J. Smith, and Frederick 
Steele. Steele’s division had four brigades, under Blair, 
Thayer, C. S. Hovey, and Hassendurbel. The other three 
divisions were of three brigades each. The men were the 
flower of the West. In an admirable order, issued December 
18tli, he had forbidden all citizens, traders, and women to 
accompany it, and allowed no cotton to be shipped, except 
what was needed for bulk-heads and protection. If any 
citizen should elude the order, he was to be conscripted as 
a private, or turned over as a deck-hand. We call attention 
to this order as indicative of the care with which his move¬ 
ment was conducted. Landing a detachment under M. L. 
Smith, at Milliken’s Bend, he sent it to Delhi and Dallas, to 
cut the rebel communication by the Vicksburg and Shreve¬ 
port Bailroad, after which they were to join him. 

On the 27tli, the main body proceeded up the Yazoo, and 
debarked at and above Johnston’s Landing, at various points 
from the junction of the Old Eiver with the Yazoo to John¬ 
ston’s Farm, about eight miles from Vicksburg. 

The long line of Bluff upon which Vicksburg is situated 
touches the Yazoo at Haines’ Bluff, and incloses, between that 
river and the bend of the Mississippi, a field of most difficult 
topography, intersected with bayous, and commanded by a 
succession of redoubts, lines of rifle-pits, and field-batteries, 
protected by abatis, on the bluffs and on the plain at their 
base. In 'front of all this, the Chickasaw bayou, coming east¬ 
ward from the Yazoo, turns southward to flow as a deep 


148 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


and wide wet ditcli to tlie entire fortification, prolonged to 
the northward by the Cypress Lake slough. 

The Confederate positions, from Haines’ Bluff to Vicksburg, 
were exceedingly strong by nature, and doubly fortified by 
military skill. The rebel troops, who had been in Grant’s 
front, now that he had fallen back, rushed to Vicksburg, full 
of hope, to overpower Sherman. It is not within our scope 
to give a detailed account of this action; we can only give its 
outlines. In landing, the forces were thus disposed : A. J. 
Smith on the right; M. L. Smith, the right centre ; Morgan, the 
left centre ; and Steele, the left. Steele’s first landing, on the 
28th, was above the slough, while Morgan had moved south 
of Chickasaw bayou, into the re-entering angle. 

Steele was withdrawn, on account of the difficulties en¬ 
countered in crossing the slough, and re-embarked, to land 
south of tlie Chickasaw, on the left of Morgan. Blair’s bri¬ 
gade, which, in the temporary absence of M. L. Smith, had 
occupied the right centre, was now marched to join Steele on 
the left. The brigades of Thayer and Blair then advanced to 
the assault across the bridges, with the most distinguished 
bravery. They stormed the rifle^its, entered the rebel line, 
driving them back in confusion. But they w T ere largely re¬ 
enforced, while there were unaccountable delays in the move¬ 
ment of our troops. Morgan’s division was not brought over 
in time to engage in the assault. 

The movements of attack on the centre and right were 
greatly impeded by the difficulty of bridging the bayou, and 
were therefore very feeble. The attack on the left, which 
was extremely gallant, was made by only three thousand men, 
eight hundred of whom were put hors cle combat. Sherman, 
ardent and impetuous, was very angry at this “ lame and 
impotent conclusion,” but he was also philosophical. Under 
the protection of a flag of truce, on the 31st, he buried his 
dead and carried off his wounded. 

One more effort he thought to make ; it was, to try a com¬ 
bined land and naval attack upon Haines’ Bluff, turn the rebel 
right, and roll back his line or endanger his rear. This new 


THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE. 


149 


plan lie was ready to put into execution on the 1st of January, 
when a dense fog made it impracticable : w r hen it lifted, the 
rebels w^ere prepared for him. Baffled, but not humiliated, 
he re-embarked his command and dropped down the Yazoo, 
having lost in his assault, one hundred and ninety-one killed, 
nine hundred and eighty-two wounded, and seven hundred 
and fifty-six missing. 

At the mouth of the river he found General McClernand, 
waiting, by order of the President, to take command. He sent 
the transports up to Milliken’s Bend. “ The right wing” was 
merged into the “ Army of the Mississippi,” of which Sher¬ 
man commanded one corps and Morgan the other* and the 
' last act of the campaign was over. Sherman gracefully 
acknowledges the defeat in his order and report, and in his 
recent speech at St. Louis, but the world now knows, what it 
did not then, that he was “ on time,” and was the victim of 
unavoidable circumstances, and that his repulse was no less 
a consequence of Murphy’s surrender of Holly Springs, than 
was Grant’s falling back to that point; not because Grant 
could not co-operate, but because his retrograde movement 
enabled the rebels to send large re-enforcements to Vicks¬ 
burg. 

Of course, Pemberton was proud of the Confederate suc¬ 
cess, and he had a right to be. Following his impotence on 
the Tallahatchie, it was a great consolation—the last gleam 
of success which was to ‘irradiate his path :. let him make 
much of it. 

ARKANSAS POST. 

* 

Before McClernand had taken command, General Sherman 
and Admiral Porter had discussed the propriety of an attack 
on Arkansas Post, and had decided, for numerous reasons, 
to make it. The proposition was Sherman’^ ; but McClernand 
concurred in it. They went up the White Biver from the 
Mississippi, and thence by a connecting canal into the Arkan¬ 
sas. All the gunboats that could get into the canal were 


150 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


sent forward, until they reached Fort Hindman, at the old 
post of Arkansas, on the left bank of the river. The joint 
attack by the army and navy could not be resisted ; the firing 
began at noon on the 11th, and lasted until four o’clock,-when 
a white flag gave token of surrender. Our loss was about six 
hundred; that of the rebels only one hundred and fifty. We 
destroyed the fort. The navy sent up and captured Des Arc 
and Duvals, while McClernand withdrew his forces to Napo¬ 
leon. 

Grant had come up the White River to meet Porter at the 
cutaway, and prepare for his new campaign. We have 
noticed the capture of Fort Hindman, on account of its bear¬ 
ing on the general plan. It was very opportune; it tended 
to inspirit the men, and in some sort retrieve the repulse of 
Haines’ Bluff : it was doing something with troops w r lio w T ould 
otherwise have lain idle, wliile Grant w T as moving his army 
to Memphis; and it changed the discord of defeat, in the ears 
of an impressible public, into the harmonious notes of a vic¬ 
tory. It w^as also another rebel discomfiture. Otherwise it 
amounted to very little, 

NEW ORGANIZATION INTO -ARMY CORPS. 

Grant had been steadily gaining ground in the confidence 
of the Government, and the great importance of his plans in 
Mississippi caused them to send him a larger number of 
troops, requiring a new organization. These, in accordance 
with historic experience, he disposed into army corps , instead 
of numerous distinct divisions. The advantage of this system 
is manifest. It gives to competent generals, commanding 
corps, a larger field in which to display their powers, and it 
relieves the commander of great official drudgery—all the 
division reports, etc., being settled at the corps headquarters, 
wdiile only a digest is sent up by the corps commanders to 
the commander-in-chief. Also, on the field of war, the orders 
of the commanding general are given to corps commanders, 
and they are held responsible for the movements and actions 


THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE. 


151 


of the divisions constituting their corps. And still, in addition 
to these advantages, each army corps constitutes an army in 
itself, properly organized of the three arms, and ready for 
independent movement as such. The system is French, and 
our brief experience in handling large bodies of men, soon 
prompted its employment in the late war. 

On the 22cl of December, Grant issued the following 
order: 

General Orders, No. 14. 

Headquarters, Department op the Tennessee, 
Holly Springs, Miss., Dec. 22, 1S62. 

By directions of tlie general-in-cliief of the army, the troops in this depart¬ 
ment, including those of the Department of the Missouri operating on the Mis¬ 
sissippi River, are hereby divided into four army corps, as follows: 

1. The troops composing the Ninth Division, Brigadier General G. W. 
Morgan commanding ; the Tenth Division, Brigadier-General A. J. Smith 
commanding; and all other troops operating on the Mississippi River below 
Memphis, not included in the Fifteenth Army Corps,' will constitute the Thir¬ 
teenth Army Corps, under the command of Major-General John A. McCler- 
nand. 

2. The Fifth Division, Brigadier-General Morgan L. Smith commanding; 
the division from Helena, Arkansas, commanded by Brigadier-General F. 
Steele; and the forces in the “ District of Memphis,” will constitute the Fif¬ 
teenth Army Corps, and be commanded by Major-General W. T. Sherman. 

3. The Sixth Division, Brigadier-General J. McArthur commanding ; the 
Seventh Division, Brigadier-General I. F. Quimby commanding ; the Eighth Di¬ 
vision, Brigadier-General L. F. Ross commanding; the Second Brigade of cav¬ 
alry, Colonel A. L. Lee commanding ; and the troops in the “ District of Co¬ 
lumbus,” commanded by Brigadier-General Davies, and those in the “ District 
of Jackson,” commanded by Brigadier-General Sullivan, will constitute the 
Sixteenth Army Corps, and be commanded by Major-General S. A. Hurlbut. 

4. The First Division, Brigadier-General J. W. Denver commanding; the 
Third Division, Brigadier-General John A. Logan commanding; the Fourth 
Division, Brigadier-General J. G. Lauman commanding; the First Brigade of! 
cavalry. Colonel B. H. Grierson commanding; and the forces in the “ District 
of Corinth,” commanded by Brigadier-General G. M. Dodge, will constitute the 
Seventeenth Army Corps, and be commanded by Major-General J. B. McPherson. 

District commanders will send consolidated returns of their forces to these 
headquarters, as well as to army corps headquarters, and will, for the present, 
receive orders from department headquarters. 

By order of 

Major-General U. S. Grant. 


John A. Rawlins, A. A. G. 


152 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


THE PRESIDENT’S PROCLAMATION, AND THE USE OF COLORED 

TROOPS. 

No history of the war, and no biography of any one of its 
chief actors, would be complete without reference to a State 
paper of greater significance than any other issued during the 
period of hostilities. Indeed, it may well be doubted whether 
any public document ever issued in America had more im¬ 
portant bearings than this. We refer to the President’s 
Emancipation Proclamation. On the 22d of September, 1862, 
he had declared, by proclamation, that on the 1st day of Jan¬ 
uary, 1863, all persons held as slaves within the States, the 
people of which were in rebellion, should be thereafter free. 
On the 1st day of January he had ratified that assertion by 
formal proclamation, enumerating the States and portions of 
States in which it should take effect. 

This was the signal for new political controversies, and 
many of our high officers in the army were inclined to fi^Jht 
against it. 

We need do no more than to declare, as we have done be¬ 
fore, that this was a logical sequence for which we should 
have been prepared, and against which the rebels had not the 
shadow of a right to complain. The recruiting of negro regi¬ 
ments was also a bugbear to many people, though not a single 
valid argument can be brought against it. Disloyal sheets 
fulminated the fallacious argumenta of the schools, ad populum, 
ad verecundiam, and the like, and the swords of certain gener- 
.als relaxed in their grasp ; they halted on the negro question. 
Grant, no politician, but a straightforward, manly soldier, was 
instant and earnest in his obedience. “ It is expected,” he 
WTote in orders, “ that all commanders will especially exert 
themselves in carrying out the policy of the Administration, 
not only in organizing colored troops, and rendering them 
efficient, but also in removing prejudice against them.” As 
the servant of a great republic, he left to the departments 
of Government their specific duties, while he performed his 
own. 


THE NEW MOVEMENT TOWARDS VICKSBURG. 153 


1 


CHAPTER XII. 

THE NEW MOVEMENT TOWARDS VICKSBURG. 


Routes proposed.—Williams’ canal.—Why it failed.—Milliken’s Bend.—Lake 

Providence.—The Yazoo Pass.—Steele’s Bayou.—Porter’s energy.—Tan¬ 
gled country.—What next?— To New Carthage, and beyond.—Passing 

THE BATTERIES.—FlRST BOATS.—SHEETS OF FIRE.—SECOND LOT.—HARD TlMES.— 

Across to Bruinsburg.—Battle of Port Gibson.—Enemy routed. 

' \ 

Stung by the failure of his plans, and spurred onward by 
an irrepressible spirit and unyielding will, Grant now deter¬ 
mined to take Vicksburg at every hazard, and at any cost. 
In the perusal of the following history, it is curious to see his 
difficulties, his expedients ; how, like a lime-hound on its 
track, he essayed many approaches, until at last he found the 
true one, or rather, burst through barriers of fire to reach it. 

His plan was to move upon Vicksburg from the interior; but 
how to get a base by which he might do so was the question. 
The principal routes proposed, and, to a certain extent, prose¬ 
cuted, were the following: first, Williams’ canal, or cut-off; 
second, the route from Milliken’s Bend; third, Lake Provi¬ 
dence", fourth, the Yazoo Pass; and fifth, Steele’s Bayou. 
Let us consider these in their order. 


williams’ canal. 

This cut-off had been located across the peninsula, at right 
angles, about six miles below Vicksburg. It w r as about one 
mile across ; and, if it could be made effective, it would isolate 
Vicksburg, and make a channel for transporting troops and 

supplies to the new base south of the city, without exposure 

7* 


154 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


to the batteries of tlie city. It lias already been stated that 
the location was faulty, beginning in an eddy above, and de¬ 
bouching opposite the Big bayou and race-course, exposed to 
an enfilading fire from the lower batteries. 

Immediately after the affair of Arkansas Post, McClernand 
had been ordered down to Young’s Point, and McArthur’s 
division was there on the 20th of January; and that .was the 
destination of the entire Army of the Tennessee, less the gar¬ 
risons of the towns in rear and Logan’s ‘division. A very 
large naval force, under Admiral Porter, had also rendez¬ 
voused there. On the 2d of February, Grant came down to 
Young’s Point in-person, and superintended the work on the 
canal. It was prosecuted with great vigor. The camps of the 
army were on the west side, and the earth was thrown up on 
that side, to form a sort of levee for their protection. The 
river was rising rapidly; but, while it promised a speedy 
opening, it also threatened danger to the embankments. In¬ 
deed it was with difficulty that the fast gafhering waters could 
be kept out of the canal and the camps. It was now the 8th 
of March, and, between hope and fear, the former predomi¬ 
nating, they were toiling on, when suddenly the great river 
asserted its strength ; the mouth of the cut-off gave way with 
a grand burst; the waters swept through and swept over, 
carrying away implements and dykes, and flooding the camps, 
to the extreme discomfort and great danger of the men. The 
soldiers, seizing their tents and equipments, rushed for the 
Levee : all that part of the peninsula south of the railroad was 
under water. The first step in the new plan was a failure, and 
the rebels laughed loud and long at our discomfiture. 

Grant was not for a moment disturbed; he had not de¬ 
pended solely upon this: he had other projects for untying 
the Gordian knot, and was ready in default of all these to cut 
it with his sword. His army was large, and, in spite of ma¬ 
lignant reports, healthy and in good spirits. 


THE NEW MOVEMENT TOWARDS VICKSBURG. 


155 


milliken’s bend. 

• 

Tlio engineers had reported to him a practicable route 
through the bayous which run from near Milliken’s Bend, on 
the north, and New Carthage, on the south, through Rounda¬ 
bout bayou into the Tensas River. This also was tried: 
dredge-boats were sent forward to clear a passage, and a small 
steamer, with a few barges, was passing through, when the 
sudden fall of the river, commencing about the middle of 
April, put an end to this scheme. 

LAKE PROVIDENCE. 

"While still at work on Williams’ cut-off, and as an alterna¬ 
tive or an additional route, Lake Providence had engaged 
Grant’s‘attention, and he had put a large force to work upon 
it. This lake, situated seventy-five miles from Vicksburg, and 
just south of the Arkansas State line, is only one mile west of 
the Mississippi : through this short strip a canal was cut. The 
lake is six miles long, and is connected by Bayou Baxter with 
Bayou Macon, a water-channel which opens into the Tensas, 
and by the Washita and Red rivers into the Mississippi. The 
route was long and difficult, and the most that could be hoped 
from it was a means of communication with Banks at Port 
Hudson. This project served to employ the troops, but it 
was soon abandoned. 


THE YAZOO PASS. 

This route promised more than the others, and was mos 
vigorously attempted. Yazoo Pass, eight miles below Helena, 
is a narrow, tortuous channel, running eastward from the 
Mississippi into Moon Lake, whence it again issues eastward, 
with a very snake-like course, until it empties into the Cold- 
water River, which, at some distance below, empties into the 
Tallahatchie. It was known that on both the Coldwater and 
Tallahatchie rivers the rebels were building gunboats and 


156 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


other craft. At higli-water, the Tallahatchie is navigable to 
Wyatt, far above the mouth of the Coldwater. Grant’s plan 
was to get into the Coldwater with his light-draught boats, and 
destroy these vessels ; and, finding the route more practicable 
than had been anticipated, he hoped the gunboats would then 
run down into the Yazoo, and co-operate with a land force in 
a new assault on Haines’ Bluff. His plan was defeated by 

s 

“ the magnificent distances,” and the difficulties of the route. 
Two heavy gunboats, one ram, six light-draught gunboats, and 
eighteen transports were made ready; and McPherson, with 
the Seventeenth Corps, and two divisions, one from the Thir¬ 
teenth and one from the Fifteenth, was in readiness to em¬ 
bark, when the number of transports was found to be inade¬ 
quate. Only one division could be taken; and while we were 
moving painfully and slowly with these troops, the rebels, in¬ 
formed of our projects, were as busy as bees blocking the 
rivers below, the principal fortifications being just above 
Greenwood, where the Tallahatchie and the l r alabusha unite 
to form the Y T azoo. 

One division of McClernand’s Corps (Thirteenth), with the 
Twelfth and Seventeenth regiments Missouri volunteers from 
Sherman, as sharp-shooters, formed the advance of the expe¬ 
dition, under General Boss.' With great labor, and after the 
partial disabling of many of the boats, they succeeded in 
reaching the Coldwater on the 2d of March. From that point 
to Fort Pemberton the navigation was much easier, and not 
much opposed by the enemy. But the fort itself was well 
posted for defence. Within the angle of junction of the 
rivers, it was protected by them; and in its front, which ex¬ 
tended entirely across, from river to river, the overflowed 
grounds formed a serious obstacle to attack by a land force. 
This being at once manifest, the gunboats were directed to 
endeavor to silence the guns; but, after a grand effort, they 
were unable to do so. When Quimby, with one division of 
McPherson’s corps, came up to re-enforce Boss, on the 21st of 
March, and, as senior, to assume command, he found our 
troops on their return, near Fort Pemberton; and, by order, 


THE NEW MOVEMENT TOWARDS VICKSBURG. 15 7 

withdrew the wholo force, arriving at Milliken’s Bend on the 
23d of March. 


STEELE’S BAYOU. 

Nothing could exceed the energy of Porter and his fleet at 
this juncture; and no event of the campaign more strikingly 
illustrates this than the reconnoissance from the Yazoo be¬ 
low, through Steele’s Bayou. Without the aid of a diagram, 
it is almost impossible to describe its tortuous course. The 
boats were to proceed up the Yazoo seven miles, to Cypress 
bayou,—a short opening into Steele’s Bayou,—which, after a 
course of thirty miles, connects, by a short canal called the 
Little Black Fork, with Deer Creek. After navigating that 
stream for eighteen miles, there is a connection by the Roll¬ 
ing Fork with the Sunflower River, ten miles distant. This 
latter stream, after a flow of forty-one miles, empties into the 
Yazoo, not far above Haines’ Bluff, and sixty miles from its 
mouth. This was a difficult, roundabout, but promising route, 
navigable throughout for the iron-clads; and it would flank 
Greenwood, threaten the rear of those who were there hold¬ 
ing our troops and boats at a “ dead-lock,” and turn the flank 
of the rebel defences at Haines’ Bluff. General Grant ac¬ 
companied Porter on a part of this reconnoissance, and was a 
witness to its immense difficulties. The country was a wild 
and tangled thicket; the navigation was impeded by over¬ 
hanging and interlacing trees, often wedging in the advance 
boats, and jamming those in rear; smoke-stacks and upper 
gear were swept away. Dark nights, realizing the “ palpable 
obscure,” added to the danger and difficulty, and would have 
discouraged less unconquerable hearts than those of our gal¬ 
lant navy, whose spirits seemed to rise as the obstacles accu¬ 
mulated and increased. General Grant hastened back to 
Young’s Point, to send up a pioneer force, and one division of 
Sherman’s corps, across from Eagle Bend, to clear the way. 
But the difficulty before encountered was here again met. 
While our forces were making slow but sure progress, the 


158 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


rebels got wind of tlie movement, and were making ready for 
us, after tlie difficult navigation should have been completed. 
It was, therefore, thought best to abandon the route ; and this 
was done, when we were but a few hundred yards distant 
from the Yazoo. A quintette of failures ; what next ? 

TO NEW CARTHAGE, AND BEYOND. 

Grant now determined to occupy New Carthage, which 
could be reached by land, even at the present stage of the 
river, and thus secure a point which should protect the main 
line of his communication by water. On the 29th of March, 
McClernand was pushed forward, with the Thirteenth Corps, 
for this purpose, to be followed by the Fifteenth and Seven¬ 
teenth, as soon as they could get proper supplies. All went 
well until, upon the arrival of McClernand’s advance at 
Smith’s plantation, only two miles from New Carthage, it was 
found that the levee of Bayou Yidal had broken away, and 
that New Carthage was, for the time at least, an island. 
Surely the Mississippi, with its interlacing, circumjacent wa¬ 
ters, was a rebel sympathizer. 

The first effort of Grant, in view of this new obstacle, was 
to improvise boats to transport the troops across ; but this 
was slow work, and so another route was projected : this was 
by a detour around Bayou Yidal, twelve miles further, making 
the distance traversed from Milliken’s Bend thirty-five miles. 
The roads were horrible, and besides the passage of the 
troops over these, ordnance stores and supplies must be 
taken. The task was herculean, but the will of Grant pro¬ 
vided a way. 


PASSING THE BATTERIES. 

And now we reach one of the most remarkable and brilliant 
features of the campaign—the running of the Yicksburg bat¬ 
teries by the fleet, with transports and barges—the inaugura¬ 
tion of the great siege. The army, as we have seen, could be 


THE NEW MOVEMENT TOWARDS VICKSBURG. 


159 


marched down the west bank ; but the question was, how to * 
get the transports below for the crossing of the troops, and 
the gunboats to protect the landings. 

On the 16th of April, Porter was ready to make the attempt, 
which was to be entirely successful. With eight gunboats, all' 
of which but one were iron-clad, and further protected by hay 
and cotton, he took three transports—the Forest Queen, 
Henry Clay, and Silver Wave—laden with supplies for the 
army, and their machinery protected by bales of cotton and 
hay. The gunboats were to move past in single file, engaging 
the enemy’s batteries, if discovered, with their broadside guns; 
while the transports, on the starboard, should try to slip 
through, under cover of the smoke. It was between ten and 
eleven o’clock that night as they came around the bend, the 
Benton, Captain Greer, leading. The embattled city slept in 
silence, apparently ignorant of the approach of the bold 
armament, which was to throw its boasted invincibility to the 
•winds ; but, while it began to be believed on the fleet that the 
enemy were, for some ulterior purpose, allowing us to pass un¬ 
molested, two sharp and brilliant lines of fire gave the signal, 
and, in the words of a spectator, “ in an instant the whole 
length of the bluffs was ablaze with fire.” Not quite unscathed 
by all these grand pyrotechnics, the fleet ran the gauntlet, 
pouring in their broadsides upon the city, from twenty-five 
heavy guns, charged with grape and shrapnel. In an hour 
and a quarter the batteries were passed. The Forest Queen 
was disabled by a shot through her drum, but w^as towed 
below, and soon repaired. The ill-fated Henry Clay* was the 
sole victim of the achievement. Her cotton was set on fire, 
her men demoralized, and she was abandoned, a blazing 
wreck, drifting down the river. 

The'batteries at Warrenton, below, were so intimidated by 
Porter’s fire, that they scarcely responded. Here was a 
decided smile of Fortune : the fickle goddess was evidently be- 


* A passenger steamer of this name was burnt on the Hudson, in 1852, with 
great loss of life. 



160 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


coming propitious. Sucli brilliant success prompted another 
immediate attempt. Grant ordered six more transports to be 
made ready—the Tigress, Anglo-Saxon, Cheeseman, Empire 
City, Horizonia, and Moderator, and in tow of these were 
twelve barges, laden with forage. These were run by on the 
night of April 22. The Tigress was sunk by the enemy’s shot. 
In all, five of the boats were damaged, but soon repaired ; and 
one-half the forage on the barges was safely landed. War, 
even when successful, is an expensive game: this was con¬ 
sidered quite a satisfactory result. In both these expeditions, 
the transports were manned by eager volunteers, who re¬ 
sponded in great numbers to every call made for them. And 
in this connection, General Grant refers to the fact, that will¬ 
ing adepts, in all mechanical arts, could be found in his army, 
whenever wanted. 

Let us now return to the movement of the army. The 
number of transports for a journey down the river being still 
inadequate, Grant determined to move his army, by a cir¬ 
cuitous route, to Hard Times, on the Louisiana shore, just 
above Grand Gulf. This would make the distance travelled 
by the troops seventy miles from MiUiken’s Bend. At 
this time, only the Thirteenth Corps, under McClernand, 
had reached that point, followed- by McPherson with the 
Seventeenth. 

The next step to be taken was to cross the Thirteenth Corps 
over the river in transports and barges. Then, when the navy 
should silence the batteries of Grand Gulf, McClernand was 
to storm them. It is well that circumstances changed this 
programme. Grand Gulf is an exceedingly strong post, on 
the high bluff of the Mississippi, just south of the entrance? of 
the Big Black Biver. Its batteries, sweeping the river, were 
arranged in tiers ; and the range of hills was lined with rifle- 
pits, protected by field-guns. 

At eight o’clock on the morning of April 29, the fleet moved 
to the attack, while a large portion of the Thirteenth Corps 
were held in readiness to land. General Grant, on a tug in 
the stream, watched the action, and was greatly impressed 


THE NEW MOVEMENT TOWARDS VICKSBURG. 161 

with, the extreme gallantry of the navy. They brought their 
vessels within pistol-shot of the batteries ; and, for five hours 
and thirty minutes, they rained shot and shell upon them, 
receiving in return a liail-storm of iron and steel. The lower 
batteries were silenced, but the upper ones were too high for 
the guns on the boats ; and at the end of the action, it was 
developed that they were entirely too strong to be taken by a 
coup de main of the land forces. 

THE ADVANCE BY BRUINSBURG. 

Once more upon the road! Grant had learned that 
from Bruinsburg, on the east bank, a few miles below, there 
was a good road to Port Gibson ; and if he could reach that 
point, Grand Gulf must be evacuated. His plan, long hidden 
in his own counsels, was now manifest to the world; and the 
world declared it audacious in the extreme. The authorities 
at Washington doubted its feasibility: the rebels felt sure 
that he was placing himself between two fires. Some of his 
best officers, it is said, protested against it. Grant was true 
to his own convictions. The force which had been held in 
readiness to attack Grand Gulf, had the navy silenced its bat¬ 
teries, was disembarked at Hard Times, and marched down 
the river to a point below Grand Gulf, opposite Bruinsburg ; 
while the navy and the transports ran the batteries and joined 
them. 

On the 30th of April, from early morning, transports, barges, 
and gunboats were all in requisition, ferrying McClernand 
across to Bruinsburg. His corps then started at once, with 
three days’ rations in haversack, so as to reach the highlands, 
and form line without resistance. The Seventeenth was fol¬ 
lowing as rapidly as possible. ; General Grant also crossed in 
person on the same day. The enemy should have resisted the 
advance fighting in retreat; but they did not. They were 
first met, eight miles from Bruinsburg, on the night of the 
30th of April, and driven back a considerable distance be¬ 
fore the fighting was discontinued. With the early morning 


102 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


of May 1st, tliey were met in force, under Major-General 
Bowen, about four miles from Port Gibson, and thirteen from 
Bruinsburg. They were strongly posted, where two roads 
meet,—both, however, leading by detour to the right and left, 
to Port Gibson—the brigades of Green and Tracey (one 
thousand and one thousand five hundred strong respectively) 
holding their front line. Bowen at once sent for re-enforce¬ 
ments, which reached him during the battle. To defeat this 
rebel force, on both roads, was now the matter in hand. 


THE BATTLE OF POET GIBSON. 

The roads upon which the rebels were posted were upon 
ridges, and there were ravines and very broken country on the 
sides. It was a position in which a small force could success¬ 
fully resist a large one. McClernand divided his force, sending 
the division of Osterhaus to attack on the left; while on the 
right were those of Hovey, Carr, and Smith. As the action 
became serious, General Grant appeared upon the ground, 
directing and superintending the movements. The rebel 
general was aware how much depended upon a stubborn 
resistance ; while Grant was well aware that to defeat him at 
this point would force the immediate evacuation of Grand 
Gulf, and lay open the rear of Vicksburg. On our right, the 
enemy was steadily pushed back all the day ; but Osterhaus, 
on the left, experienced such a spirited resistance, that he was 
obliged to wait for re-enforcements. Logan’s division, of 
McPherson’s corps, and a portion of the Ninth Division, had 
now come up ; and Grant sent one brigade to McClernand, . 
who had also been calling for re-enforcements, and one to 
Osterhaus. The result was not long doubtful. Charging with 
the bayonet, and working their way through the young cane, 
Osterhaus and his re-enforcements drove the rebels from their 
strongest position, while our artillery played upon their disas¬ 
trous retreat. The rebel losses in front of our left were, one 
hundred and fifty killed, three hundred wounded, and six hun- 


THE NEW MOVEMENT roVVARDS VICKSBURG. 


163 


dred prisoners. Night put an end to the combat; and our 
troops bivouacked in the bright moonlight, while the rebels, 
thoroughly beaten, fled across the Bayou Pierre, destroying 
the bridges in their flight towards Grand Gulf. These were 
speedily rebuilt. On the morrow, a new floating-bridge was 
erected by McPherson, and the enemy pursued on the road 
to Hankinson’s Perry, across the Big Black. 


164 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


CHAPTER XIII. 

VICKSBURG: THE BATTLES, ASSAULTS, AND SIEGE. 


Fortune smiles.—Defences of Vicksburg.—Grand Gulf ours.—Sherman’s feint 
on Haines’ Bluff.—Grant's grand tactics.—Battle of Raymond.—Battle 
of Jackson.—Johnston driven oCt.—Where is Pemberton?—At Champion's 
Hill.—Battle there.—Enemy demoralized.—Battle of the Big Black.— 
Investment.—Fleet co-operates.— Two assaults.—Both fail. 


At iengtli, Fortune, so long a fickle goddess, liad smiled 
upon Grant. Behold him now fairly established on the east 
bank, and with little to impede his progress to the “high 
plateau in rear of Vicksburg,” which had been his ardent 
dream ever since the siege of Corinth. It is now time to take 
a brief survey of that famous citadel. Vicksburg, the “ city 
of a hundred hills,” the “ heroic city,” was ranked by the 
rebels as the most important point next to Bichmond in the 
entire theatre of war. In peaceful times it was noted as an 
important depot of the cotton-trade, one of the principal 
thrones of that monarch which, like the Jupiter of classic 
mythology, was but to 

“ Shake his ambrosial curls, and give the nod— 

The stamp of Fate, the sanction of a god”— 

the great Republic was to totter and fall, and even King Can¬ 
non was to cower in impotent silence. 

In time of war, Vicksburg was less ironically potential. 
Perhaps there is no stronger position on the Mississippi. 
This has been already indicated in the record of the earlier 
movements. Situated on one side of a very sharp bend or 
bow in the river, on a high line of bluffs, extending for fifteen 


VICKSBURG: BATTLES, ASSAULTS, AND SIEGE. 


165 


miles from Haines’ Bluff, touching the Yazoo on the north, to 
a point below Warrenton on the south. Its northern river 
defences are rendered most formidable by the vast triangle, 
the sides of which are the Mississippi, the Yazoo, and the 
bluffs, which is filled with interlacing bayous, and streams 
and swamps. This impracticable northern terrein is swept by 
the fire of the whole line—Haines’ Bluff, Drumgool’s Bluff, 
and Walnut Hills—and there is a concentrated fire upon the 
sharp apex of the bend. It is no abuse of language to say, 
that on the river-front it is impregnable. Immediately after 
New Orleans fell, it might have been taken, as we learn from 
an intercepted letter from one of Jefferson Davis’s family. 
But that matters little : it was not. 

On the land-side, it was scarcely less formidable at the time 
of Grant’s approach. Bayou Pierre, with its steep banks, 
formed an outer line ; then came the Big Black, with its tribu¬ 
taries, Big Sandy, Five-mile, Fourteen-mile, and Baker’s 
creeks,—a network of exterior defences of great value to a 
skilful commander. And when the city was descried, the sur¬ 
rounding ridges were crowned with fortifications ;—redoubts, 
bastioned forts; the main fort at the railroad entrance ; lu¬ 
nettes, redans, on all the prominent points ; detached batteries 
almost without number, and lines of well-constructed rifle- 
pits connecting all the parts. The profiles of the rebel forts 
and batteries were the strongest used in field-works, and of 
greater dimensions than those by which we approached them. 
It seemed that nothing but overpowering numbers, secure 
from all danger of a succoring army, regular approaches, and 
starvation could reduce this most real of the many rebel 
Gibraltars. And yet this was the work Grant had appointed 
for himself and his army. Having found the river impracti¬ 
cable, he would cross all the inland lines, and reduce it. 
Surely, if he should succeed, he would become immortal !* 


* “ One of tlie most extraordinary and audacious games tliat tlie enemy had 
yet attempted in this war. ... In daring, in celerity of movement, and in 
the vigor and decision of its steps, it was the most remarkable of the war.”— 
Pollard, Third Year , pp. 43, 44. 



1G6 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


To defend this important point was the unenviable task of 
Lieutenant-General John C. Pemberton, who was now, with a 
force of thirty odd thousand men, about to be rapidly driven 
into his inner works, only to leave them as a paroled prisoner. 
It has since been charged against him that he did not lay in 
proper supplies to stand a siege ; and it would appear that for 
some time he was entirely deceived as to Grant’s movements, 
believing that he was going to re-enforce Bosecrans, and even 
asking by telegraph whether he should not himself send troops 
to Tullahoma. But time, which makes all things ev§n, will 
show that Pemberton, who has been made the scapegoat for 
the sins of many, did better than his advisers and maligners 
would have done. If Pemberton was lulled into fatal security, 
it was the fault of the Confederate Department of War ; and 
that he was not succored by a large army betokens ignorance 
and impotence, for which he certainly was not'responsible. 

So, a strong foothold having been now gained, and Grand 
Gulf evacuated by the enemy, Grant made this point tempo¬ 
rarily a new base, abandoning Bruinsburg. He went himself, 
with a small escort of cavalry, to Grand Gulf, to direct matters, 
and he was amazed at the great natural strength of the posi¬ 
tion ; but it was designed to resist a river attack, and had but 
weak defences on the land side. It had been greatly damaged 
by the fire of our fleet, but the rebels, in their hasty evacua¬ 
tion, had left behind them thirteen heavy-guns. 

o 

sherman’s feint on iiaines’ bluff. 

When Grant was about to make his landing at Bruinsburg, 
he had directed Sherman to make a demonstration on Haines’ 

• 

Bluff, for the sole purpose of diverting the enemy’s attention, 
and keeping a considerable number of men in his front to 
repulse his assault. Sherman’s orders were received on the 
28tli of April, and the false attack was to be made simultane¬ 
ously with the proposed attack ■ of Grant on Grand Gulf. 
Sherman says :* “ Knowing full well the army could distin- 


* Slierman's Speech, May 24, 1865. 




VICKSBURG: BATTLES, ASSAULTS, AND SIEGE. 107 

*V 

guish a feint from a real attack by succeeding events, and as¬ 
sured the country would, in due season, recover from the 
effect, I made the necessary orders, and embarked.” 

Proceeding up the Yazoo, on the evening of the 29tli, he 
was at the mouth of the Chickasaw, and the next morning the 
naval force opened upon the bluffs. Towards evening of the 
30th, he disembarked one division in full view of the enemy, 
as if to prepare to assault, although he knew that there was 
no road across the submerged field, between the river and the 
bluff. The feint was eminently successful. The gunboats 
again opened with spirit. The enemy were seen moving 
troops and artillery back and forth, evidently expecting a real 
attack. Similar demonstrations, with reconnoissances on both 
sides of the Yazoo, were made the next day; and on that 
evening (May 1), rapidly embarking, he dropped down to 
Young’s Point. The next day his troops were put in motion 
for Milliken’s Bend, and thence to Hard Times, which he 
reached on the 6th of May. 

The main portion of Grant’s arm}^ having now reached 
Hankinson’s Perry, across the Big Black, he made a short 
halt for rest, concentration, and supplies; and for a moment 
the question was presented to his mind whether he should 
join Banks, reduce Port Hudson, and then march upon Vicks¬ 
burg with a force increased by twelve thousand men. But it 
was not a question long: this would take time, and hours 
were worth more than men. Humors were heard in every 
quarter that the South was rising to save Vicksburg, and that 
Beauregard, their “ Little Napoleon,” was coming to make 
head against Grant. The rebel governor of Mississippi, John 
J. Pettus, under 'date of May 5, had issued an inflammatory 
proclamation to the people, calling every man to arms. In 
any event, twelve thousand additional men, a month later, 
would be fewer in reality than his present force at the present 
time; and so he wisely decided to push forward, and take 
Vicksburg. 

Sherman’s corps was now up, having reached him on the 
8fch of May, and was at once marched forward to Big Sandy. 


168 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Grant’s* design was now to secure liis rear by a rapid marcli 
on Jackson, tlie destruction of its public property, which 
could aid the enemy, and the railroad; and then suddenly 
marching West, to come upon the devoted city. To deceive 
the enemy, he moved up the Big Black, by both banks, 
threatening a direct attack, by way of Hall’s and Baldwin’s 
ferries, and he even sent an expedition to within six miles of 
Warrenton. McPherson was moved to Rocky Springs, on the 
Hall’s Perry road, and McClernand to Willow Springs. We 
held the ferries. Sherman was on the right, on both roads. 
By thus hugging the river, Grant completely deceived the 
enemy as to his real intentions, which were to push McCler¬ 
nand and Sherman forward to the railroad between Edward’s 
Station and Bolton, while McPherson should move rapidly 
upon Raymond and Jackson. It was on the 11th of May 
that he telegraphed to Washington that he should communi¬ 
cate with Grand Gulf no more. 

Nothing in the history of the war is more admirable than 
the grand tactics which now ensued. The general plan was 
carried out; the details were decided by the movements of 
the enemy, and the new circumstances arising. McClernand 
was moved up to Fourteen-mile Creek, nearest the river, 
having sent one division to Baldwin, still to deceive and 
frighten the enemy. Sherman, who was at Auburn, on the 
11th, marched up to the bridge, across that stream, on the 
Edward’s Station road, on the 12th, and after spirited skir¬ 
mishing, and the improvising of a crossing, in lieu of the 
bridge, which the enemy had burned, they crossed and en¬ 
camped. Grant was with Sherman at this point, seven miles 
west of Raymond, and there heard of the success of McPher¬ 
son at Raymond. 

. THE BATTLE OF RAYMOND. 

General McPherson, in pursuance of orders, had marched 
directly upon Raymond, and was met, two miles south of the 
town, on Fondreu’s Creek, by Gregg’s rebel brigade, soon 


VICKSBURG: BATTLES, ASSAULTS, AND SIEGE. 


1G9 


re-enforced by that of W. H. T. "Walker. Logan’s division 
came up to these troops at ten o’clock on the 12lh of May. 
The rebel infantry were concealed by the woods bordering the 
creek, and their artillery, posted on an eminence, swept the 
field across which our troops must move. The fighting was 
severe, falling mainly to the share of Logan’s first and second 
brigades; but in two hours and a half it was ended, by the 
retreat of the enemy, after we had sustained a loss of sixty- 
nine killed, three hundred and forty-one wounded, and thirty- 
two missing. 

When Grant received notice of the victory at Raymond, 
Sherman was at once set in motion to join McPherson, and 
move with him upon Jackson, to which point the enemy had 
retreated. He must be beaten there, and his stores destroyed 
without delay, for intelligence has now arrived that General 
Joseph Johnston is coming with a large force to the aid of 
Pemberton, and to place Grant between two fires. 

The rebel situation is now critical, in spite of such fallacious 
promises. Pemberton, who should have fought with his 
entire force at Port Gibson, and who should not have fought 
at Raymond, had formed an intention of fighting the great 
battle at Edward’s Station. But on the night of the 13th, 
when our troops reached Clinton, on . the railroad, Johnston, 
who had now reached Jackson, dispatched a courier to urge 
Pemberton to attack our forces, beat the detachment, and re¬ 
establish the communications. More easily said than done. 
Pemberton moved out irresolutely, struck but a weak blow at 
Champion’s Hill, and so demoralized his troops, that they 
made but a show of resistance at the crossing of the Big 
Black. 

But we are anticipating. On the 13th, McPherson struck 
the railroad at Clinton, destroying the track, and capturing 
important dispatches from Pemberton to Gregg. He then 
moved upon Jackson. Sherman also moved to Jackson, by 
the parallel road from Raymond through Mississippi Springs. 
McClernand was held, as a general reserve, near Ra 3 T mond. 

The movements of Sherman and McPherson were so timed 

8 


170 


GBANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


as that they should attack the enemy together. On tho 
morning of the 14tli, they came up to within three miles of 
Jackson, the rain pouring in torrents, and the roads miry and 
slippery. By noon, however, it had cleared, but not before 
our troops were engaged. Before describing the battle, let us 
observe for a moment, the great care, and yet great prompti¬ 
tude, with which the army was manoeuvred. "When McPher¬ 
son and Sherman were coming into line at Jackson, McCler- 
nand was moved up to Clinton with one of his divisions; 
another was at Mississippi Springs ; a third was at Baymond; 
a fourth, with Blair’s division of Sherman’s corps, was near 
New Auburn, with the wagon-train; while McArthur, with 
one brigade of his division of General McPherson’s corps was 
moving up to Baymond, on the Utica road. These were all 
within supporting distance, and ready for any demonstration 
of the enemy. 


THE BATTLE OF JACKSON. 

General Johnston was in command at Jackson, and must be 
beaten, and driven away before we could invest Yicksburg. 
Upon the approach of Sherman and McPherson, he came 
outside the city limits, with a large force, to resist McPher¬ 
son, who occupied our left, only confronting Sherman with a 
small number of infantry and artillery, on our right. The 
ground over which the troops were to move was swept by the 
fire of the rebel guns, which they opened as soon as we came 
in sight. But their batteries on our right were soon silenced 
by the fire of Sherman’s guns, and a charge of Mower’s 
brigade of Tuttle’s division drove them to their rifle-pits just 
outside the city. Ignorant of the force in his front, it oc¬ 
curred to Sherman to send a reconnoissance, to find the left 
flank of the enemy and feel its strength. This was effected by 
Captain Pitzmann, engineer, with the Ninety-fifth Ohio; and 
while he was making this detcTur, Steele’s division was closed 
up. Pitzmann reported the flank weak and exposed, and 
Sherman at once moved Steele to the right, over the same 


VICKSBURG: BATTLES, ASSAULTS, AND SIEGE. 171 


ground, while Tuttle was pushed forward on the main road. 
The enemy did not wait long for our attack, but sought safety 
in a northward flight, retreating towards Canton. McPher¬ 
son had thoroughly beaten him on his front, and he thought 
himself happy in escaping capture. We pursued him until 
nightfall. 

Grant, accompanied by his son, a lad of thirteen, met Sher¬ 
man and McPherson at the hotel near the State House, in 
Jackson, for congratulations, council, and new action. John¬ 
ston, indeed, was driven away, but he had urgently ordered 
Pemberton to come out, and “ re-establish the communica¬ 
tions and this, Grant had just learned,' Pemberton was 
endeavoring to do. But he was too late, and all that Grant 
had to do, thanks to his rapid and skilful combinations, was 
to face to the rear, march on the dirt-roads to Edward’s 
Station, and do to Pemberton even as he had done to Joseph 
Johnston. Sherman was left to destroy the arsenals, public 
works, factories, bridges, etc., very properly including an 
extensive cotton factory which had been engaged in making 
clothing for the Confederate army. The convicts, who had 
been released by their own authorities, fired the penitentiary ; 
and, shameful to relate, there was considerable pillage by 
some of our soldiers, who, having found some bad rum, could 
not be restrained by their officers. 

McPherson was moved out on the Clinton road, and on the 
15th was a mile and a half from Bolton, within supporting 
distance of Hovey’s division of McClernand’s corps; while 
McClernand, with the remaining divisions, was ordered to 
Edward’s Station, but was not to bring on a general engage¬ 
ment, unless he was sure of success. Blair was with him, and 
Sherman was soon to follow from Jackson. 

Every thing now was on the tiptoe of expectancy. Where 
was Pemberton ? at what point would he throw Grant off his 
track, and open the communications ? 

At five o’clock on the morning of the 16th, two railroad 
employees who had passed through Pemberton’s army the 
evening before, were brought to Grant’s headquarters, and 


172 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


informed liim that the enemy had marched out from Vicks¬ 
burg, and was coming to meet him with a force of twenty-fire 

thousand men. It was Johnston’s desire that he should move 

• 

upon Clinton, but Pemberton determined to try and cut off 
Grant’s supplies : but it was too late to do either. This was not 
unexpected news, but it made definite what was before vague. 
Grant should need Sherman, at least in support, sooner than 
he had thought. Without delay, at half-past five, he sent a 
dispatch to Sherman, to come up at once. Sherman received 
it at ten minutes past seven, and at eight his advance was in 
motion for Bolton. Mower’s brigade was left behind to 
parole the prisoners taken, and Jackson was at once evacu¬ 
ated, to be .cautiously reoccupied by Johnston, and again 
taken, after great events should have transpired, by Sherman. 

Blair’s division of the Fifteenth Corps moved towards 
Edward’s Station; and Osterhaus was directed to move 
pari passu with Blair; McPherson was ordered up to join 
McClernand. In order to guard against all mistakes, General 
Grant sent Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson, of his staff, to explain 
the situation to McClernand, and to urge him to come up 
promptly. 

These preliminaries and precautions having been arranged, 
Grant went in person to the front, and reached Bolton, on 
the railroad, the terminus of a short railroad line from Ray¬ 
mond. There he found McPherson, with the pioneers, re¬ 
building the bridge across Baker’s Creek, which had been 
destroyed the night before by the cavalry of Osterhaus’s 
division. This delay in the crossing had blocked the road 
with wagons and trains, which impeded the advance of the 
army. Grant in person directed the trains to draw up on 
both sides of the road, and McPherson’s troops passed through 
and forward. 

THE BATTLE OE CHAMPION’S HILLS, OK BAKER’S CREEK. 

The position taken by the enemy lay across the road, on 
the left of which rose a high hill, covered by a dense forest and 


VICKSBURG: BATTLES, ASSAULTS, AND SIEGE. 173 

undergrowth; and on the right, the timber extended a short 
distance down the hill, which then opened into cultivated fields ; 
the slope being a gentle one on the right. The first signal of 
the coming battle was received by Hovey’s division, which had 
moved up the road and in the ravine, and occupied the centre. 
McClernand, with the divisions of Osterhaus, Carr, Smith, and 
Blair, was to come up on the left—McPherson on the right. 

To oppose this gathering force, the rebel army, commanded 
by Pemberton, was strongly posted, their batteries being 
placed in the bend of the creek. Major-General W. W. 
Loring (who, previous to the rebellion, held a citizen appoint¬ 
ment in our army, but who had seen service in the Mounted 
Bifies, and lost his arm in Mexico) commanded their right; 
Major-General John Bowen (a graduate of West Point, and 
an impetuous soldier), the centre ; and Brigadier-General 
Carter L. Stevenson (who had held a citizen appointment in 
the Fifth United States Infantry), the left. 

It was Grant’s intention not to fight until he could hear 
definitely of McClernand’s dispositions. Again he sent him an 
urgent message to push forward, before he would begin the 
battle ; but, when troops are brought in such close contact, it 
is not easy to postpone a conflict. It began, without McCler¬ 
nand, at eleven o’clock. Hovey’s advance in the centre had 
developed the enemy’s skirmish line, and wdien this was 
assailed, it w r as supported by the enemy’s masses. A large 
force was massed upon our left and centre, wdiich w r ere w 7 eak. 
We were there re-enforced, first by one, and then by another, 
brigade of Crocker’s division. 

In the mean time, Logan’s division, of McPherson’s corps, 
had vigorously attacked Stevenson, on the enemy’s left, over- 
powdered and driven him back, and threatened to pass to the 
rear and capture Pemberton’s entire army, especially if the 
strong simultaneous attack could be made in front. But 
Hovey’s men, out of ammunition, w T ere found falling back, by 
McPherson’s re-enforcements. 

The rebel attack on our centre and left had not been with¬ 
out success, but it had been more than counterbalanced by 




174 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Logan’s successes on our right. Still desiring to beat our 
left, in accordance with his original purpose, Pemberton 
ordered Loring to attack with Bowen, detaching, at the same 
time, two brigades of Bowen to re-enforce Stevenson. Loring 
refused to attack, and persisted in this refusal, when again 
urged to move to the aid of Stevenson. Stevenson, re-enforced 
by Bowen’s brigades, fought well. But our fire was terrific ; 
nearly all their artillery horses were killed ; and, at five P. M., 
Stevenson’s force gave way in confusion. It w^s in vain that 
Pemberton rode upon the field, and told him that he had sent 
for Loring. But it was too late, even had he come. His 
troops were retiring in panic; and he had left Bidley’s, Cor- 
put’s, and Johnston’s batteries, and a section of Waddell’s, on 
the field, to fall into our hands. The battle was over. Loring, 
like one demented, drew off his men by a large circuit around 
Jackson, and without artillery, and joined the troops of John¬ 
ston at Canton. Pemberton’s army was entirely demoralized, 
as was plainly demonstrated in the next battle. General Tilgli- 
man, of Fort Henry fame, was killed in the retreat; and pur¬ 
sued and pursuers pushed on to the Big Black. McClernand 
came up just when the battle was over. Only one of the 
divisions with him—Osterhaus’s—met with any serious re¬ 
sistance, although the enemy had deployed so as to confront 
and delay them. The battle was fought by Hovey, of his 
corps, and Logan and Quinby, of McPherson’s. 

Grant was on the field during the battle, and directed the 
pursuit, for which the troops were thus disposed: Carr, of 
McClernand’s corps, on the left; with which was McClernand 
in person: next came Osterhaus. Carr moved forward with 
all speed, passing McPherson’s fatigued troops, to the Big 
Black, with orders to cross it if possible. 

Sherman, informed of the result, was deflected northward to 
cross at Bridgeport, taking with him the only ponton train for 
that purpose ; and Blair was ordered to join him. 

Although routed at Baker’s Creek, Pemberton was deter¬ 
mined to make one more effort, before shutting himself up in 
Vicksburg. It was, however, a very weak one. That night 
Grant received Halleck’s dispatch of May 11, ordering him to 
return and co-operate with Banks : it was now impracticable. 


VICKSBURG : BATTLES, ASSAULTS, AND SIEGE. 175 


THE BATTLE OF THE BIG BLACK. 

The pursuit, stopped at nightfall, was resumed with vigor 
on the morning of the 17th. McClernand was in advance. 
It was not, however, continued far, the enemy being discovered 
in force on both sides of the river. The opposite bank, which 
was steep, was crowned by their guns ; while in the flat, culti¬ 
vated bottom, on this side, by which our troops were ad¬ 
vancing, they had arranged admirable defences. About a 
mile from the river, a bayou and overflowed space formed a 
wet ditch in front of their position, which was protected by 
rifle-pits and field-guns. Behind these, in the natural de¬ 
fences thus formed, were posted the brigades of Green, Ville- 
pigue, and Cockrell. Besides the railroad-bridge, they had 
improvised one, just above it, from an old boat, placed at 
right angles across the stream. 

The resolute stand and excellent defences of the rebels 
promised a vigorous resistance; but,-when Lawler’s brigade, 
of Carr’s division, which was on our right, after a rapid artil¬ 
lery fire, charged without orders to do so, the enemy fled in 
terror. Panic-stricken, they fired the bridge, before their 
troops were across, and the garrison, with seventeen guns, 
fell into our hands. “All is lost,” was the cry of those who 
succeeded in crossing. It was shameful in the extreme. 
Pemberton and his staff rode most gallantly over the field, 
threatening, begging, and swearing; but to no purpose. A 
soldier, at whom one of the staff presented his pistol, said, 

“ Bigger guns than that, back there !” Staff authority was 
absolutely gone. 

A motley, terror-stricken crowd of fugitives, less like an ♦ 
army than like a flock of frightened sheep, poured into Vicks¬ 
burg at ten o’clock that night. The aroused citizens, trem¬ 
bling and “ whispering with white lips women and children, 
wailing, and flying through the streets, expecting our imme¬ 
diate arrival; the rumbling of guns ; the tramp and oaths of 
the troops; the confused accounts of our terrible advance, 
form a picture which no pen can describe. The avenger 


176 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


of blood was upon them, and Vicksburg was no city of refuge. 
Indeed, our army might have entered that night had not the 
bridges been destroyed. 

THE INVESTMENT. 

Sherman, who had been sent to Bridgeport, crossed with 
the pontons on the morning of the 18th, and marched by the 
common road, driving small parties of the enemy before him, 
to within three miles and a half of the city. He then turned 
to the right, to get possession of Walnut Hills and the Yazoo 
Biver. McPherson and McClernand built floating-bridges : 
the former crossing above the road to Jackson, and following 
Sherman ; and the latter crossing below, and marching through 
Mount Albans, and thus extending the investing line to the 
south. 

Thus Vicksburg was at first invested—Sherman occupying 
the right of the line, McPherson the centre, and McClernand 
the left. 

Pemberton had immediately reorganized his shattered 
columns, and posted them in the defences,—Major-General 
Martin L. Smith on the extreme left, confronting Sherman ; 
Major-General Forney in the centre; and Brigadier-General 
Stevenson on the right. Bowen was held in reserve. 


THE FLEET CO-OPEBATES. 

• 

On the 18th of May, Porter hearing the firing, which 
indicated the approach of our army, came over to the Yazoo, 
to be in readiness to co-operate; and dispatched the De Kalb, 
Choctaw, Borneo, and Forest Bose—all under the command 
of Lieutenant-Commander Breese—to open communication 
with Grant and Sherman. This was handsomely effected in 
three hours. The Be Kalb steamed up, and took possession 
of Haines’ Bluff, which the enemy had begun to evacuate the 
day before. This was a great point gained. The mere works 
taken—the armament of fourteen rifled guns, which they left 



Gen ..ftRANT-S 





Siege of Vicksburg 


F/uj raved for Grant aiui. His Campaign. 


Uni on "Works 
Confederate ’ ■ 






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>v. jMftW 


WVWWv 


• - - Va<s*v 









































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VICKSBURG: BATTLES, ASSAULTS, AND SIEGE. 177 

behind—were nothing: it was that a new route of supplies 
had been opened! Since leaving Grand Gulf, our troops had 
been “ living upon the country now they could get full sup¬ 
plies from Memphis: while the rebels, according to Pember¬ 
ton, had but sixty days’ rations upon which to sustain the siege. 
General Johnston bears another testimony to the value of 
this capture. On the 17tli of May, he wrote to Pemberton: 
“ If Haines’ Bluff be untenable, Vicksburg is of no value, and 
cannot be held. . . . If it is not too late, evacuate Vicks¬ 

burg and'its dependencies, and march to the northeast.” 

THE FIRST ASSAULT. 

As soon as Grant’s troops had come into position, he de¬ 
termined to take advantage of the demoralized and disordered 
state of the rebel army, and assault the works at once. His 
force was not sufficient to make a complete investment; and 
he was not without concern lest Johnston, largely re-enforced 
frSm Bragg, should come to the succor of Pemberton. The 
assault was ordered for two o’clock on the afternoon of the 
19th, and was vigorously made by Sherman’s corps, which 
was nearest the enemy’s works. The other corps only suc¬ 
ceeded in getting good positions, nearer the works, but not 
so much exposed to the fire. Sherman’s men were moved to 
the assault at the time appointed ; Blair’s division moving on 
both sides of the road; Tuttle’s division in rear, covering 
and supporting the movement. The artillery was posted so 
as to have a cross-fire on the point where the road entered 
the enemy’s intrencliments. The approach was very difficult, 
the ground broken, and cut up in deep chasms, filled with 
standing and fallen timber. The Thirteenth Regulars, Eiglity- 
tliird Indiana, and One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Illinois, 
crossed the ditch and gained the exterior slope, but were 

unable to enter, and under cover of the night, the attack not 

% 

having proved successful, they were withdrawn. The men 
needed rest and rations; they had had too much fighting and 
too little food. 


8 * 


178 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


THE SECOND ASSAULT. . 

Impelled by the same, and additional urgent considerations, 
General Grant issued liis orders on the 21st for a grand 
assault along the whole line, at ten o’clock A. M. on the 22d. 
Johnston was at Canton, with the troops which had been 
driven out of Jackson, largely re-enforced. Grant believed 
that by making this assault he would take Vicksburg at once, 
capture its garrison, drive Johnston away, and save great 
expenditures of men, money, and time. 

He informed Admiral Porter of his intentions, and re- 

» 

quested him to engage the batteries on the river-front as a 
diversion. Porter kept six mortars firing during the night 
of the 21st, on the city, and engaged the batteries on the 
morning of the 22d, from half-past nine to half-past eleven 
o’clock. 

The preparations for the attack w r ere soon made. The corps 
commanders set their watches by that of General Grant, and 
at sharp ten, the storming columns were in motion. Grtfht 
stationed himself on a summit in McPherson’s front, from 
which he could see the whole of McPherson’s corps, with 
portions of Sherman’s and McClernand’s. With no space for 
details of the assault, we may say that it was most gallantly 
made at all points, and that the flags of each column were 
placed upon the exterior slopes of the works in their front. 

Sherman placed Blair’s division in front, with Tuttle’s in 
support; while Steele was directed to make the attack half 
a mile to the right. A small number of volunteers carried 
poles and boards to cross the ditch; and the artillery was 
posted to concentrate its fire on the position. Prom the 
nature of the approaches, comparatively few men could be 
used, while the enemy could bring to bear a large force, and 
a terrible fire, under which our men halted, wavered, and fled 
to cover. 

McClernand engaged in an impromptu and rapid corre¬ 
spondence with General Grant on the field. The burden of it 
was, loud and reiterated calls for re-enforcements and diver- 


VICKSBURG: BATTLES, ASSAULTS, AND SIEGE. 179 


sionary assaults. He declared that lie liad taken two forts, 
and needed assistance to hold them. Grant, whose position 
was such that he could see better than McClernand, doubting 
the accuracy of his report, first directed him to re-enforce 
himself from his reserve divisions; but afterwards, upon his . 
importunity, sent him Quinby’s division, and reluctantly 
ordered Sherman to make a new assault in his favor, which 
increased the mortality list at least fifty per cent., and gained 
us nothing. 

To epitomize the results of this correspondence, we may 
say that, on account of it, and a congratulatory order of 
McClernand’s to his corps, which reflected upon Grant and his 
dispositions, Grant relieved McClernand from his command 
and gave it to Major-General Ord. It was no time to con¬ 
sider personal feelings; the work must be done vigorously 
and cheerfully, without controversy, and in the spirit of a 
willing subordination. 

But to return to the assault: like the former one, it was* 
unsuccessful; we had lost three thousand men. It had been 
necessary to make it, in order to develop the strength of the 
garrison, the nature of its defences, and the character of the 
operations which must now be made. It was evident that a 
regular siege must be undertaken, and to do this Grant must 
have re-enforcements. 


180 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


\ 


CH AP TER XY. 

VICKSBURG BESIEGED. 


Re-enforcements.— The complete investment.— The condition of Vicksburg.— 
The first mine.— The explosion.—Effects.— We gain a lodgment.— The 
cannonade.— The second mine.—Preparations for final assault.—Pember¬ 
ton’s CHANGE OF OPINION.—FURTHER DELAY USELESS.— Is READY TO SURRENDER. 


Of the re-enforcements which reached Grant, Lauman’s 
division, and four regiments from Memphis, with Smith’s and 
Kimball’s divisions of the Sixteenth Corps, came up, and 
were assigned to Major-General Washburne. On the lltli 
of June, the division of Major-General Herron arrived from 
the Department of the Missouri. On the 14th, two divisions 
of the Ninth Corps came up, under command of Major-Gen¬ 
eral Parke. 

Grant’s army, re-enforced by these troops, was now thus 
disposed: Sherman occupied the extreme right with the Fif¬ 
teenth Corps, from the river around to the roads leading to 
the northeast bastion. Joining his left, McPherson, with the 
Seventeenth Corps, extended to the railroad from that jDoint. 
Ord, with the Thirteenth, continued the investment towards 
the left; which was completed by the divisions of Lauman and 
Herron, the latter lying across Stout’s bayou, and abutting 
against the bluff at that point, separated by a belt of swamp 
and timber, not a mile wide, from the river. 

Parke’s corps, and the divisions of Smith and Kimball, 
were sent to Haines’ Bluff, which had been fortified on the 
land side to resist any attempt of Johnston in that direction. 


VICKSBURG BESIEGED. 


181 


A force, under Major-General Slierman, consisting of one 
division of the Fifteenth and one of the Seventeenth Corps, 
was also held in readiness, with Bauman’s, to move upon 
Johnston as soon as circumstances should prompt. 

The approaches were now conducted with great vigor ; and 
as Pemberton was- in no condition to waste his ammunition, 
the trenches were opened much nearer to the rebel works than 
is usual. Thus our entire line was inclosing Yicksburg with 
trenches twelve miles in length. Along the entire front 
forts, batteries, and rifle-pits were erected; and, by reason of 
the irregularities of the ground, winding covered ways were 
constructed, through which our men could pass to and from 
the extreme works, concealed from the rebel sharp-shooters. 

The condition of Yicksburg was now pitiable in the extreme. 
As early as the 27th of May, a courier from Pemberton to 
Johnston came voluntarily into our lines, and gave to Grant 
the message he had been directed to deliver to Johnston. It 
was this : “I have fifteen thousand men in Yicksburg, and 
rations for thirty days—one meal a day. Come to my aid 
with an army of thirty thousand men. If you cannot do this 
within ten days, you had better retreat. Ammunition is 
almost exhausted, especially percussion-caps.” This gave 
token that Yicksburg must fall; but Grant did not abate the 
vigor of the siege. 

Mines were constructed at several points, particularly in 
McPherson’s front, the excavations being under guard, and 
the greatest secrecy being observed ; so that, although our 
men knew of a general intention to blow up the enemy’s works, 
few knew where and when this would be done. 

General Sherman, upon the receipt of information that 
General Johnston was again approaching the Big Black with 
a large force, set out, with the command already mentioned, 
to drive him back, leaving Steele in temporary command of 
his division. Grant’s order to General Parke, on the 27th of 
June, indicates the character of the movement: 

“ General Parke —Sherman goes out from here with five brigades, and 
Osterhaus’s division subject to his orders besides. In addition to this, another 


182 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


division, five thousand strong, is notified to be in readiness to move on notice. 
In addition to this, I can spare still another division, six thousand strong, if 
they should be required. We want to whip Johnston, at least fifteen miles off, 
if possible. 

“U. S. Grant, Major-General.” 

Sherman, however, returned without finding Johnston 
within the prescribed distance, but learnt that he was making 
desperate efforts to come up in time to relieve Yicksburg. 

THE FIRST MINE. 

The mine which was now to be exploded was under the par¬ 
apet of the works occupied by Forney’s (rebel) division. A 
series of zig-zags, covered from the enemy’s fire, passed over 
the distance of three hundred yards to reach the main sap, a 
trench six feet wide and six feet deep, which was then ex¬ 
tended only thirty-five yards, to reach the entrance of the 
main gallery. This gallery was a square shaft, running with 
a gradual declivity under the enemy’s parapet. From it di¬ 
verged three short galleries, to the right and left, one being 
formed in front; these contained the chambers, in which 
a ton of powder was placed. A sap was also run off to the 
left of the main gallery, for fifty yards, to hold our sharp¬ 
shooters. 

The enemy’s attempts to countermine were only successful 
in giving our working-party one good scare, from which they 
soon recovered. Mining is not an easy task; but counter¬ 
mining requires such accurate knowledge of an enemy’s plans, 
localities, and progress, and such nice counter-calculations, as 
to render it far more difficult. 

At length all was in readiness for the first explosion. A 
messenger reached Grant, at three o’clock, on the 25tli of 
June, announcing that they were ready to apply the match. 
All troops, except sharp-shooters, were withdrawn from the 
outer works. One hundred picked men of the Forty-fifth Illi¬ 
nois were to assault the right, and one hundred from the 
Twenty-third Indiana the curtain of the fort. Leggett’s bri- 


VICKSBURG BESIEGED. 183 * 

pule formed tlie reserve of the stormers ; Stevenson formed 
the support, with a strong reserve in rear. 

At length the word was given; the match applied to the 
fuse. The few minutes in which it silentlv burned seemed 
hours. The troops, now fully aware of the purpose, stood to 
their arms in breathless expectancy. The stout hearts of the 
forlorn hope were summoning up the blood and stiffening the 
sinews. In their shirt-sleeves, and divested of every thing 
save muskets and cartridge-boxes, they were ready for the 
rush. One terrific burst, and the air is filled to the height of 
one hundred feet with timbers and earth, gabions, stockades, 
gun-carriages, mingled with smoke and dust—a miniature 
Vesuvius. Six men of the Forty-third Mississippi, who are in 
a shaft countermining at the time of the explosion, are buried 
and lost. This is the signal for the stormers. The two col¬ 
umns fly to their points of attack. Leggett’s brigade moves 
to their support. But the rebels make desperate resistance. 
The Sixth Missouri regiment attempts to charge : its colonel, 
Eugene Irvin, is killed at its head. Our other supports are 
poured in; and at length the flag of the Forty-fifth crowns 
the summit of Fort Hill, amid cheers that can be heard above 
all the varied din of the battle. 

Simultaneously with the rush of the stormers, Grant had 
ordered the batteries to open along the whole line. The firing 
began on McPherson’s front; it was taken up by Ord, Lauman, 
and Herron on the left, and soon joined by Sherman. The 
ships on the river-front caught and hurled back the echoes, 
until the classic thunders of Virgil were realized over the 
whole heaven, and from pole to pole. The nearness of our 
batteries caused almost every shot to tell. Some shells struck 
the parapet, others ricochetted, and fell into the lines of troops 
beyond. It was the grandest cannonade ever heard up to 
that time in America. 

Grant wrote at once to Ord : 

General Ord— McPherson occupies the crater mado by the explosion 
He will have guns in battery there by morning. He has been hard at work 
running rifle-pits right, and thinks he will hold all gained. Keep Smith's divi- 


184 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


sion under arms to-night, ready for an emergency. Their services may ha re¬ 
quired, particularly about daylight. There should be the greatest vigilance along 
the whole line.” 

He then pushed the other mines to completion, and began 
new parallels, to make ready for a final assault, which, how¬ 
ever, it was not necessary to make. On the first of July a 
second mine was sprung on the right of the Jackson road, 
which resulted in the entire demolition of the redan, the liv¬ 
ing burial of nine men who were countermining, and the kill¬ 
ing and wounding of a large number who were manning the 
works. The explosion left an immense chasm where the redan 
had stood. Pemberton was in no condition to sustain an 
assault: after a fair show of valor, he was open to the dic¬ 
tates of discretion. Prom the night of his disordered en¬ 
trance into Vicksburg, after the defeat at the crossing of 
the Big Black, to the 3d of July, he had been in a sad and 
helpless condition. The city was constantly bombarded; 
women and children were living in caves, at the entrance of 
tvdiicli some were killed ; houses and streets were ploughed by 
shot and shell; provisions were scarce, and mule meat, bean 
meal, and corn coffee were in great demand; the stench of 
dead animals, many of them starved to death, filled the 
air; and all his entreaties to Johnston for aid had been vain. 
It is reported, that in a speech made at Vicksburg, after the 
failure of our assault, he had said : 

“ You have heard that I was incompetent and a traitor, and 
that it was my intention to sell Vicksburg. Follow me, and 
you will see the cost at which I will sell Vicksburg. When the 
last pound of beef, bacon, and flour ; the last grain of corn ; the 
last cow, and hog, and horse, and dog shall have . been consumed, 
and the last man shall have perished in the trenches, then, and only 
then, will I sell Vicksburg .” 

But his spirit was now gone ; he was ready to surrender. 
He had given up all hope of Johnston, who, whatever his dif¬ 
ficulties may have been, had certainly done less than nothing 
to aid him, and has since reproached him in unmeasured, but 


VICKSBURG BESIEGED. 


185 


unjustifiable terms. The eight thousand men sent by Kirby 
Smith from the Trans-Mississippi army, “ had been misman¬ 
aged, and had fallen back to Delhi.” His men were worn out 
by duty, exposure, and want of sleep. A small supply he still 
had, and he might have held the works a few days longer ; but 
we say, advisedly, that he was right to surrender. Whatever 
his faults, and they were great, and his misfortunes, which 
equalled them, he was now hopeless and helpless. Delay 
could do nothing but bring more suffering and loss of life. 


186 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


/ 


CHAPTEK XYI. 

VICKSBURG FALLS.—“ UNVEXED TO THE SEA.” 

•• 

Flag of truce.—Pemberton’s request.—The interview.—Terms described.— 
Correspondence.—Terms accepted.—Vicksburg surrenders.—Fourth of July. 
—Rebellion cut in two.—Only needs shaking, to fall apart.—Grant’s tri¬ 
umphal entry.—The Mississippi “ unvexed to the sea.”—Comments. 


On Friday morning, the 3d of July, there was an unusual 
quiet upon all the defences of Vicksburg. The day was intol¬ 
erably hot indeed, but more scorching suns had not heretofore 
hindered the fighting work. At eight o’clock in the morning a 
flag of truce was displayed upon the works in front of General 
A. J. Smith; it heralded the approach of General Bowen and 
Colonel Montgomery, with a sealed communication from Pem¬ 
berton to Grant. The long-lioped-for day had at length ar¬ 
rived : Pemberton proposed the surrender of the city. 

We must seek for historic analogies with which to picture 
to our fancy the overwhelming and unutterable joy of Grant, 
when he read this communication. But to all appearance he 
was imperturbable and cool; he gave no sign of the joy he 
felt. 

The letter of General Pemberton proposed the appointment 
of commissioners, three on each side, to arrange terms for the 
capitulation; and he added, as a point in the bargain, that he 
was “ fully able to maintain his position for an indefinite pe¬ 
riod.” Grant’s reply demanded “ an unconditional surrender 
of the city and garrison,” and refused the appointment of 
commissioners, “ because he had no other terms” to offer. 
He had acquired a habit of using this phraseology. To Gen¬ 
eral Bowen’s request that he would meet Pemberton on neu- 


VICKSBURG FALLS.—“ UN VEXED TO THE SEA.” 


187 


tral ground, to arrange tlie matter by personal interview, 
Grant consented, and appointed three o’clock that afternoon 
as the time; hostilities, however, continued until noon, when 
a temporary cessation was ordered, on account of the inter¬ 
view. 

% 

At three o’clock a signal-gun from our side, responded to 
by one from the rebels, announced the approach of the gener¬ 
als. The interview took place in front of McPherson’s lines, 
a spot untrodden by either army during the siege. An im¬ 
mense oak formed a fitting canopy, and under its overspread¬ 
ing branches they met. General Grant was attended by Gen¬ 
eral McPherson and General A. J. Smith ; General Pemberton 
by General Bowen, and his adjutant-general, Colonel Mont¬ 
gomery. After shaking hands, and an introduction of the 
officers, the following conversation was opened by General 
Pemberton: 

“ General Grant, I meet you in order to arrange terms for 
the capitulation of the city of Vicksburg and its garrison. 
What terms do you demand?” 

“ Unconditional surrender ,” replied General Grant. 

“Unconditional surrender?” said Pemberton. “Never, so 
long as I have a man left me! I will fight rather.” 

“ Then , sir, you can continue the defence ,” coolly said General 
Grant. “ My army has never been in a better condition for the 
'prosecution of the siege.” * 

The appearance of the two men, on this important occasion, 
was indicative of their characters. The stormy, irascible 
spirit of Pemberton could hardly be restrained by a sense of 
the dignity of his position ; while Grant, puffing his cigar, was 
calm as though engaged in a casual colloquy in a sauntering 
meeting on the road-side. 

The generals wandered off to confer privately, and seated 
themselves upon the grass, and the interview was soon ended 
with the understanding that Pemberton would submit the mat¬ 
ter to a council of war, and send his answer in tine morning. 


* From Mr. Keim’s dispatch to tho New York Herald. 




188 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


The oak-tree has long since disappeared, its trunk having 
been cut up into walking-sticks and other relics: on the spot 
where it stood is a beautiful monument, which commemorates 
the occasion and the surrender.* 

On his return, after a conference with his corps and divi¬ 
sion generals, Grant, taking time by the forelock, sent the fol¬ 
lowing letter to Pemberton the same evening: 


Headquarters Department oe Tennessee, 

^ Near Vicksburg, July 3, 1863. 

Lieutenant-General J. C. Pemberton, 

Commanding Confederate Forces, Vicksburg, Miss.: . 

General —In conformity witli the agreement of this afternoon, I will sub¬ 
mit the following proposition for the surrender of the city of Vicksburg, public 
stores, etc. On your accepting the terms proposed, I will march in one division, 
as a guard, and take possession at eight o’clock to-morrow morning. As soon 
as paroles can be made out and signed by the officers and men, you will be al¬ 
lowed to march out of our lines, the officers taking with them their regimental 
clothing, and staff, field, and cavalry officers one horse each. The rank and 
file will be allowed all their clothing, but no other property. 

If these conditions are accepted, any amount of rations you may deem neces¬ 
sary can be taken from the stores you now have, and also the necessary cook¬ 
ing utensils for preparing them; thirty wagons also, counting two two-horse 
or mule teams as one. You will be allowed to transport such articles as can¬ 
not be carried along. The same conditions will be allowed to all sick and 
wounded officers and privates, as fast as they become able to travel. The pa¬ 
roles for these latter must be signed, however, whilst officers are present author¬ 
ized to sign the roll of prisoners. 

I am, General, very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

U. S. Grant, Major-General. 


* The monument is a pyramid twenty feet high, surmounted with a fifteen- 
inch globe. On the principal side is a large American eagle, with wide-spread 
wings, which cover implements of defence ; in one claw he holds the laurel, in 
the other an American shield, and in its beak a pennant, inscribed, “ E Pluri- 
•bus TJnum The eagle sustains on its wings the goddess of liberty. On one 
side of the monument is inscribed : “ To the memory of the surrender of Vicks¬ 
burg by Lieutenant-General J. C. Pemberton, to Major-General U. S. Grant, 
U. S. A., on the 3d of July, 18G3.” See article in August number of the United 
States Service Magazine, for 1805, “ From Cairo to the Delta.” 



VICKSBURG FALLS.—“ UNVEXED TO THE SEA.” ISO 

Pemberton lost no time in returning tlie following answer, 
which reached Grant early in the morning of July 4: 


Headquarters, Vicksburg, July 3, 1863. 


Major-General Grant, 

Commanding United States Forces : 


General —I liave tlie honor to acknowledge the receipt of yonr communi¬ 
cation of this date, proposing terms for the surrender of this garrison and post. 
In the main, your terms are accepted; hut in justice both to the honor and spirit 
of my troops, manifested in the defence of Vicksburg, I have the honor to submit 
the following amendments, which, if acceded to by you, will perfect the agree¬ 
ment between us. At ten o’clock to-morrow I propose to evacuate the works in 
and around Vicksburg, and to surrender the city and garrison under my com¬ 
mand by marching out with my colors and arms, and stacking them in front of 
my'present limits, after which you will take possession ; officers to retain their 
side-arms and personal property, and the rights and property of citizens to be 
respected. 

I am, General, yours, very respectfully, 

J. C. Pemberton, Lieutenant-General. 


Grant’s answer was dictated by magnanimity ; as a soldier, 
he was willing to allow some show of respect to the officers 
and men who had borne the horrors of the siege: it was as 
follows : 


Headquarters Department of Tennessee, 
Before Vicksburg, July 4, 1863. 

Lieutenant-General Pemberton, 

Commanding Forces in Vicksburg: 

General — I have the honor to acknowledge your communication of the 8d 
of July. The amendments proposed by you cannot be acceded to in full. It 
will be necessary to furnish every officer and man with a parole, signed by 
himself, which, with the completion of the rolls of prisoners, will necessarily 
take some time. Again, I can make no stipulation with regard to the treat¬ 
ment of citizens and their private property. While I do not propose to cause 
any of them any undue annoyance or loss, I cannot consent to leave myself 
under restraint by stipulations. The property which officers can be allowed to 
take with them will be as stated in the proposition of last evening—that is, 
that officers will be allowed their private baggage and side-arms, and mounted 
officers one horse each. If you mean by your proposition for each brigade to 
march to the front of the lines now occupied by it, and stack their arms at ten 
o’clock a. m., and then return to the inside and remain as prisoners until 


190 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


;properly paroled, I will make no objection to it. Should no modification bo 
made of your acceptance of my terms by nine o’clock A. M., I shall regard 
them as having been rejected, and act accordingly. Should tliesS terms bo 
accepted, white flags will be displayed along your lines to prevent such of 
my troops as may not have been notified from firing on your men. 

I am, General, very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

U. S. Grant, 

Major-General United States Army. 

These terms were accepted. McPherson’s corps was placed 
under arms. The rebel troops marched out and stacked their 
arms, to the number of 31,600 men, occupying three hours in 
so doing, and our troops marched in : 172 guns also fell into our 
hands. General Grant’s triumphal entry was in the afternoon 
of July 4. 

THE FOURTH OF JULY. 

We had become accustomed, in later years, and before the 
war, to sneer at Fourth of July celebrations ; “ buncombe” and 
“ fustian” were the other names for the orations pronounced 
on that day ; but the events of this wonderful year were to 
consecrate it afresh in the hearts of all true patriots. The 
shouts of Grant’s conquering army w r ere echoed back from 
equally sonorous voices at Gettysburg, where, after three 
days of hard fighting, in which the glorious Army of the 
Potomac had utterly baffied and defeated “ an enemy superior 
in numbers, t and flushed with the pride of a successful in¬ 
vasion,”* it rested on the 4th of July, to keep the nation’s 
birthday. Vicksburg and Gettysburg ! names which shall 
forever stand among the decisive battles in the world’s history, 
and mark the great crisis in our country’s fate ; a new declara¬ 
tion of our independence—a seal of our perpetuity. All honor 
to the men who achieved them ! 

It is worthy to be recorded, that when Pemberton was 
asked his motives for selecting the 4th of July as the day of 
surrender, he said : “ The answer is obvious; I believed that 


* Meade’s order to bis troops. 




VICKSBURG FALLS.—“ UNVEXED TO THE SEA.” 


191 


upon that day I should obtain better terms. Well aware of 
the vanity of our foes, I knew they would attach vast impor¬ 
tance to the entrance, on the 4tli of July, into the stronghold 
of the great river, and that, to gratify their national vanity, 
they would yield then what could not be extorted from them 
at any other time.” We like that word vanity; it could not 
be improved, except, perhaps, by terms which can hardly 
be considered synonymous-— loyalty , patriotism , and self- 
respect. 

As to the great importance of the reduction of Vicksburg, 
we may refer to Sherman’s recent statement, that it made the 
destruction of the rebellion certain, and that the rebels would 
have abandoned at once a lost cause, had they not been 
blinded by passion, and lured by false syrens to a greater 
destruction. Carlyle tells a story of a fabulous Norse warrior 
who possessed an invisible sword of magic sharpness. It 
clove his enemy in two, without his feeling the blow, and it 
was not until he shook himself that he fell apart. Thufe Grant, 
with his magic sword, had cut the great rebellion in twain, 
but it needed the shaking-of a few more campaigns to demon¬ 
strate to the rebels, and to the world, that the fatal blow had 
been given at Vicksburg. 

Grant entered Vicksburg in triumph on the afternoon of 
the 4th; but was very sullenly received at the rebel head¬ 
quarters. He had defeated the enemy in five battles out¬ 
side of the city, had taken the State capital, and by the 
capture of Vicksburg he had captured thirty-seven thousand 
prisoners, including nineteen general officers, and four thou¬ 
sand officers of lower grades. The rebels had lost in battle, 
from the beginning of the campaign, upwards of ten thousand 
men, three hundred and one pieces of artillery, and thirty-five 
thousand small-arms ; they had also surrendered a large 
amount of public projrerty, consisting of railroads, locomo¬ 
tives, cars, steamboats, cotton, and provisions. 

But best of all, in the sententious language of Mr. Lincoln, 
the great river, which had been fretting and fuming under the 
iron chain of the rebels, now “ went unvexed to the sea .” On 


192 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


/ • 

the 16th of July, the steamboat Imperial arrived at New 
Orleans from St. Louis, the first boat which had gone over 
that route for more than two years. 

On the 28th of the same month she returned to her wharf 
at St. Louis, amid theAvelcoming shouts of thousands. Every 
shout was a tribute to him who had opened the river, and 
sent its waters forever “ unvexed to the sea.” 

(. 

COMMENTS. 

In a review of this great campaign, Grant’s actions shine 
so pre-eminently, that an estimate of the biographer, in the 
way of a summary, is totally unnecessary. He was active, 
versatile, tenacious of purpose, Napoleonic in his judgment 
and use of men, with moral courage to assign or remove* them 
according to their merits. And, combined with all these high 
qualities, he had exhibited remarkable skill in manoeuvring 
large armies in the field ; in learning instant lessons from 
repulses ; in conducting an arduous siege; in brushing away 
•a succoring army;—always preserving that equal mind which 
it is more difficult to keep in the extreme of prosperity than 
in that of adversity. Undisturbed by his great troubles, he 
was not puffed up by the great success, but was ready for 
new labors, and, if God should send them, final successes. 

It is no injustice to others to say that his chief supporters 
were Sherman, McPherson, and Logan. Sherman, like Grant, 
has achieved such universal reputation, that we need not 
pause to eulogize him. McPherson here exhibited to the 
public those qualities which Grant had long known him to 
possess, and which were to shine with increasing lustre until 
his lamentable fall in the Georgia campaign. Logan’s dash¬ 
ing valor was eminently conspicuous. Having declared that 
the Western men would hew their way to the Guff, he was 
a bright example of the truth of his prediction; ever at his 
post, and always distinguished for that fearless impetuosity 
which the world now considers his characteristic. 


VICKSBURG FALLS—“ UNVEXED TO THE SEA.” 193 

- « 

* 

Grant at once recommended Sherman and McPherson for 

the rank of brigadier-general in the regular army. 

✓ 

Note.— The sketch of this great campaign would be incomplete without 
brief reference to the unparalleled march of Colonel (afterwards General) B. H. 
Grierson, up to that time the most famous raid on record. Its object was, the 
destruction of public property and of the railroads, and to make a diversion in 
favor of the army moving upon Vicksburg. Grierson proposed it, and began his 
preparations on the 1st of April. His force consisted of the Sixth and Seventh 
Illinois Cavalry and the Second Iowa, commanded respectively by Colonels 
Loomis, Price, and Hatch. 

Starting from La Grange, he moved upon Ripley. Thence he crossed the 
Tallahatchie. Detachments to deceive the enemy and destroy the railroads, 
were sent to the east, north, and even the northwests From Pontotoc he sent 
back one hundred and seventy-five men, the least valuable, and one gun, to 
La Grange. A small detachment was sent to Columbus to destroy the track ; 
and at Starksville he captured a rebel mail of great value. On the 22d he was 
at Louisville, and he crossed the Memphis Railroad at Newton. His route 
then lay through Raleigh, where he cut the telegraph wires ; across the Leaf 
River, destroying the bridge across the Pearl; through Gallatin and to Union 
Courthouse. Thence southward, destroying as he went bridges and track. 
The rebels were now gathering on his track, to stop his return. But he had no 
idea of returning. At Oskya, where they tried to stop him, he broke them. 
Then, by Greensburg and Clinton, he rode into Baton Rouge on the 1st of May! 
A notable ride ; in seventeen days he had travelled eight hundred miles 
through the heart of^the State; given the people a great fright; entirely 
deceived and eluded the armed enemy ; destroyed four millions of property ; 
and so injured the railroads, as to make them incapable for some time of being 
used to our detriment. 


9 


194 


# 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 



% 


CHAPTER XVII. 

FINISHING TOUCHES: CLEARING THE WRECK. 

t 

<WKCT OF THE NEWS.—PRESIDENT’S LETTER TO GRANT.—PORT IIllDSON WAITS THE 

fall of Vicksburg—Surrenders.—Correspondence and conditions.—Sher¬ 
man moves against Johnston.—Johnston holds Jackson.— His order.— He 
ipecamps. 


EFFECT OF THE NEWS. 

When some great fabric, long tottering to its foundations, 
and upon which the eyes of all men have been fixed, at length 
surges and falls with a mighty crash, crowds of workmen fly 
to remove the fragments, to clear the wreck, and prejjare for 
rebuilding. So the fall of Vicksburg, resounding through the 
country, was the signal for new labors to the heroic Grant 
and his gallant army. The news, long awaited by the nation, 
gave rise to scenes of the wildest enthusiasm. The roar of ar¬ 
tillery and the ringing of bells, swelled by the chorus of human 
voices, were heard from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The cry, 
“Vicksburg has fallen!” carried joy to Washington, and con¬ 
sternation to Richmond. The name of Grant was on every 
lip, and assurance was made doubly sure that, under God, we 
now had a commander upon whom the people could rely to 
lead us to final victory, and a thoroughly successful, honor¬ 
able, and uncompromising peace. 

He was at once appointed to the vacant major-generalship 
in the regular army, to date from that day, now doubly dear to 
every true American heart—the Fourth of July, 1863 ; the day 
when he entered Vicksburg, the chief of American conquerors.. 

While straining every nerve in the campaign, he had been 


FINISHING TOUCHES: CLEARING THE WRECK. 195 


greatly misrepresented at Washington. Partisan politics and 
private malignity had arrayed themselves against him: to a 
charge of imbecility had been added that of drunkenness ; and 
it was even said that Adjutant-General Thomas* who had 
started for the Mississippi in April, had carried with him an 
order relieving Grant from the command. But now his vindi¬ 
cation was complete : it was Vicksburg ! We cannot pause to 
enumerate his honors. Mr. Lincoln, in the most magnani¬ 
mous spirit, addressed him the following letter, as honorable 
to Lincoln as it was just and generous to Grant: 

Executive Mansion, Washington, July 13, 1863. 
To Major-General Grant: 

My Dear General —I do not remember that you and I ever met person¬ 
ally. I write this now as a grateful acknowledgment for the almost inestima¬ 
ble service you have done the country. I wish to say a word further. When 
you first reached the vicinity of Vicksburg, I thought you should do what you 
finally did—march the troops across the neck, run the batteries with the trans¬ 
ports, and thus go below; and I never had any faith, except a general hope 
that you knew better than I, that the Yazoo Pass expedition and the like could 
succeed. When you got below and took Port Gibson, Grand Gulf, and vicinity, 
I thought you should go down the river and join General Ranks ; and when you 
turned northward east of the Big Black, I feared it was a mistake. I now wish 
to make a personal acknowledgment that you were right and I was wrong. 

Yours, very truly, A. Lincoln. 

Congratulations and thanks poured upon him from all quar¬ 
ters. Halleck, in a complimentary letter, compares the cam¬ 
paign “ most favorably” with those of Napoleon about TJlm; 
and even rebel journals for once dropped the Bilhngsgate with 
which it was their custom to describe the actions of our “ Yan¬ 
kee” commanders, to declare that he had been skilful in his 
work, and magnanimous in his dealings with the garrison. 
He was pointed to as the only man to conduct the new and 
colossal campaigns now opening, of which Chattanooga was 
to be the base, and from which, in logical sequence, were to 
follow Sherman’s grand gallop through Georgia, his flanking 
movement in South and North Carolina, and our final suc¬ 
cesses at and beyond Petersburg. We repeat it, Vicksburg 
was the key of the war. 


196 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Grant arranged affairs at Vicksburg by making McPherson 
district commander, and Logan post commander. The former 
general appointed Lieutenant-Colonel James Wilson district 
provost-marshal; and the latter, Lieutenant-Colonel Waddell 
post provost-marshal. 

PORT HUDSON. 

It has been seen that Port Hudson, in the Department of 
the Gulf, was besieged by General Banks, and held tightly 
embraced during the siege of Vicksburg; and it was well un¬ 
derstood by both armies that when the latter should fall, the 
other must also surrender. Port Hudson, or Hickey’s Land¬ 
ing, is a very strong point, on a sharp bend in the river, 
twenty-two miles above Baton Bouge. Situated on a com¬ 
manding bluff, it had been well fortified. Invested on the 21st 
of May by our army, it had refused to surrender, and defied a 
first assault on that day. The investing army was command¬ 
ed, under Banks, by Weitzel, Augur, Grover, and T. W. Sher¬ 
man. Another assault on the 14th of June was also unsuc¬ 
cessful ; and then Banks awaited the fall of Vicksburg. 

This was decisive. On the 7th of July, General Frank 
Gardner, the rebel commander, wrote to Banks to ask if 
Vicksburg had surrendered ; and if so, to propose an armistice 
for the surrender of Port Hudson. On the 8th, Banks replied, 
sending him Grant’s letter announcing the fall of Vicksburg; 
and the same day Gardner gave up the works, surrendering 
five thousand five hundred prisoners, one major-general and 
one brigadier, twenty heavy guns, thirty-one field-pieces, a 
quantity of ammunition, and two steamers, one of them of 
yalue to us for immediate use. Banks took possession on 
die 9th.* 


* The following is the correspondence : 

Headquarters Port Hudson, Louisiana, July 7, 1863. 

General —Having received information from your troops that Vicksburg 
has been surrendered, I make this communication to ask you to give me the 
official assurance whether this is true or not; and if true, I ask for a cessation 



FINISHING TOUCHES: CLEARING THE WRECK. 1Q7 

We do not design to derogate from tlie effective service of 
Banks or the gallantry of his army ; but Port Hudson fell be- 


of hostilities, with a view to the consideration of terms for surrendering this 
position. 

I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Frank Gardner, 

Major-General commanding Confederate States Forces. • 

To Major-General Banks, 

Commanding United States Forces near Fort Hudson. 


Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 
Before Port Hudson, July 8, 1868. 

General —In reply to your communication, dated the 7th instant, by flag of 
truce received a few moments since, I have the honor to inform you that I re¬ 
ceived yesterday morning, July 7th. at forty-five minutes past ten o’clock, by 
the gunboat General Price, an official dispatch from Major-General Ulysses S. 
Grant, United States Army, whereof the following is a true extract: 

Headquarters Department of the Tennessee, 
Near Vicksburg, July 4,1S63. 

Major-General N. P. Banks, Commanding Department of the Gulf: 

General —The garrison of Vicksburg surrendered this morning. The number of prisoners, as 
given by the officers, is twenty-seven thousand; field-artillery, one hundred and twenty-eight 
pieces; and a large number of siege-guns, probably not less than eighty. 

Your obedient servant, 

U. S. Grant. Major-General. 

I regret to say that, under present circumstances, I cannot, consistently 
with my duty, consent to a cessation of hostilities for the purpose you indicate. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

N. P. Banks, Major-General commanding. 

To Major-General Frank Gardner, 

Commanding Confederate States Forces, Port Hudson. 

Port Hudson, July 8, 1863. 

General — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi¬ 
cation of this date, giving a copy of an official communication from Major- 
General U. S. Grant, United States Army, announcing the surrender of the gar¬ 
rison of Vicksburg. 

Haiing defended this position as long as I deem my duty requires, I am will¬ 
ing to surrender to you, and will appoint a commission of three officers to meet 
a similar commission appointed by yourself, at nine o'clock this morning, for 
the purpose of agreeing upon, and drawing up, the terms of surrender; and for 



198 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


fore the genius of Grant, as much as though it had been a 
fortification of Vicksburg, as, indeed, in a strictly military 
view, it was. 

SHERMAN S MOVEMENTS. 

We have already mentioned that the army of Johnston, 
which could never be brought to the attack, was still hovering 
upon our flank and rear, and had reoccupied Jackson. Grant 
was now ready to dispose of it. A large force had been 
placed under the command of Sherman for this purpose, and 
it had been Grant’s intention to launch it upon Johnston 
within a short time, to be determined by his success at Vicks¬ 
burg. In ignorance of Pemberton’s intention to surrender on 
the 4tli, Grant had been making his arrangements for an 


that purpose I ask a cessation of hostilities. Will you please designate a point 
outside of my breastworks, where the meeting shall be held for this purpose ? 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Frank Gardner, commanding Confederate States Forces. 
To Major-General Banks, 

Commanding United States Forces. 

s’ 

General Banks replied at once in the following language : 

, Headquarters United States Forces, 
Before Port Hudson, July 8, 18G3. 

General—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi¬ 
cation of this date, stating that you are willing to surrender the garrison under 
your command to the forces under my command, and that you will appoint a 
commission of three officers to meet a similar commission appointed by me, at 
nine o’clock this morning, for the purpose of agreeing upon and drawing up 
the terms of surrender. 

In reply, I have the honor to state that I have designated Brigadier-General 
Charles P. Stone, Colonel Henry W. Birge, and Lieutenant-Colonel Richard B. 
Trwin, as the officers to meet the commission appointed by you. 

They will meet your officers at the hour designated, at a point where the 
flag of truce was received this morning. I will direct that active hostilities 
shall entirely cease on my part, until further notice, for the purpose stated. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

N. P. Banks, Major-General commanding 
To Major-Generai, Frank Gardner, 

Commanding Confederate States Forces, Port Hudson. 



FINISHING TOUCHES: CLEARING THE WRECK. 


199 


assault at all points on the 6th of July, of the success of which 
he had no doubt; immediately after that, Sherman was to be 
sent against Johnston. The surrender of the city, two days 
earlier than he had anticipated, made this at once practicable, 
provided Sherman’s troops and supplies were ready for the 
movement. That distinguished officer, always ready, reported 
that lie could move at once. Happy the commander who has 
such lieutenants! Moving, not only with the expeditionary 
force before mentioned, but taking with it, by Grant’s orders, 
the remainder of the Thirteenth and Fifteenth Corps, he 
reached Jackson on the 10 th, and immediately began the 
investment, extending his lines in a half-circle from right to 
left, touching the Pearl Biver, which flows through the city 
at both points.* 

JOHNSTON’S DISPOSITIONS. 

We gather from Johnston’s report, that it was his intention 
to hold the place only until he could draw off his army and 
remove his stores ; but to judge from his defences, w T e should 
not have thought so. A strong line of rifle-pits extended 
along his entire front, protected at intervals by powerful 
batteries with heavy epaulments, which crossed their fire 
upon the ground in front. In constructing these batteries 
more than two thousand cotton bales had been used. 

His army was thus posted from right to left: Loring, 
Walker, French, and Breckinridge. Gist had brought him 
ten regiments of the “ best blood” of the “ chivalry,” the 
unconquerable type. He then issued the following order, 

worthy of the Delphic oracle : 

* / 

Headquarters ok the Field, July 9, 1863. 

Fellow-Soldiers —An insolent foe, flushed with hope by his recent success at 
Vicksburg , confronts you, threatening the people, whose homes and liberty you 


* “'General Sherman has Jackson invested from Pearl River on the north 
to the. river on the south. This has cut off many hundred cars from the 
Confederacy. Sherman says he has forces enough, and feels no appre¬ 
hension about the result.”— General Grant's dispatch to the general-in-chief 
July 12. 



200 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


arc bore to protect, with plunder and conquest. Tlieir guns may even now be 
heard as they advance. 

The enemy it is at once the duty and the mission of you, brave men, to 
chastise and eocpel from the soil of Mississippi. The commanding genetgl con¬ 
fidingly relies on you to sustain his pledge, which he makes in advance, and he 
will be with you in the good work, even unto the end. 

The vice of “ straggling” he begs you to shun and to frown on. If needs 
be, it will be checked by even the most summary remedies. 

The telegraph has already announced a glorious victory over the foe, won 
by your noble comrades of the Virginia army on Federal soil. May he not, 
with redoubled hopes, count on you, while defending your firesides and 
household gods, to emulate the proud example of your brothers in the 
East? 

The country expects in this, the great crisis of its destiny, that every man 
will do his duty. 

Joseph E. Johnston, General commanding. 

A weak invention this, which could neither deceive his 
enemy nor inspirit his own people ; its only merit being that 
he did not commit himself. Johnston, however, neither 
fought well nor retreated well. When he was at Canton, 
Grant had sent Blair to cut off his supplies, by laying the 
country waste for a distance of fifty miles around, destroying 
mills, factories, granaries, and crops. On the 13th, Herron, 
aided by the navy, had captured Yazoo City,* losing the gun¬ 
boat Baron de Kalb, which was exploded by a rebel torpedo 
in the adventure.t 

JOHNSTON DECAMPS. 

Sherman, somewhTat delayed for want of ammunition, which 
did not reach him in sufficient supply until the 16th, in- 


* “ Finding that Yazoo City was being fortified, I sent General Herron there 
with his division. He captured several hundred prisoners and one steamboat. 
Five pieces of heavy artillery and all the public stores fell into our hands. 
The enemy burned three steamboats on the approach of the gunboats.”— Grant 
to Halleck, July 13. 

f “ Unfortunately, while the Baron De Kalb was moving-slowly along she 
ran foul of a torpedo, which exploded and sunk her. There was no sign of 
any thing of the kind to be seen. While she was going down, another exploded 
under her stern.”— Admiral Porter to Secretary of the Han/, July 14. 




FINISHING TOUCHES: CLEARING THE WRECK. 201 

trenched liimself, and erected counter-batteries. Johnston, 
taking advantage of a thick fog, made a determined sortie on 
the 13tli, which, after creating some slight confusion, was 
successfully repulsed. Sherman’s works now progressed 
rapidly, and a general assault would soon have been made, 
had not Johnston again vindicated his reputation as a hero 
of retreats, and evacuated the place. He began to do so on 
the 16th, very quietly; and instead of further attempts “ to 
chastise and repel us from the soil of Mississippi,” he led his 
walling soldiers away by Morton and Meridian from that very 
soil, upon a march, the terrible concomitants of which were 
intense heat, w r ant of w r ater, and general discouragement. 

Sherman entered the beautiful city again on the 18th. It 
was now doomed to the horrors of w r ar. Great blocks of 
houses w T ere burned down. Soldiers w r ere seen ransacking 
houses. The negroes who had been left behind (the able- 
bodied ones had been hurried away by their masters) 
thronged the streets—the infirm, the women, and the children 
—not knowing whether it w T as the year of jubilee or the day of 
wrath w r hich had come. Piles of household stuff, pianos, 
bedsteads, fancy tables, w r ere dragged into the streets, and 
fired or scattered about the crossings. Thick smoke, cinders, 
falling timber, fierce flames, form the cMaro-oscuro of a picture 
which we shall not undertake to describe. 

In one of the expeditions to a house near Jackson, were 
found books and letters belonging to Jefferson Davis,—many 
of the latter from men of station at the North, and implicating 
them in the inauguration of the rebellion. We have not time 
to moralize, but surely at every page w'e have strong proof of 
the adage which declares the permanence of the written word, 
and a declaration that there is many an irrevocable, verbum 
besides those that appear in print. If “ the pen is mightier 
than the sw T ord” to create and bless, it is often surely so to 
destroy. 

Note. —The rebel losses in the Vicksburg campaign were; — 42,000 pris¬ 
oners, 12,000 killed and wounded, 0,000 stragglers: Total, 00,000. Grant’s 
losses were;—1,243 killed, 7,095 wounded, 535 missing: Total, 8,873, 

•9* 



202 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


CHAPTER XYIIL 

ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION. 


Expeditions in all dikeotions.—The haul at Natchez.—Extra military ques- 
tions.—The subject of trade.—Tariff of prices on the Mississippi.—Honors 
at Memphis.—Review at New Orleans.—Sad accident, and its results.— 
Partial recovery.—Boards of honor.—Comments. 


Grant was now active in tlie organization of his depart¬ 
ment ; setting it in order, as it proved, to form one part of the 
great whole, over which he was soon to exercise an imperial 
military supremacy. He sent expeditions in every direction, 
to “spy ont the nakedness of the land” : —to Canton,-Pontotoc, 
and Grenada. An important one was dispatched under Han¬ 
som to Natchez, to put a stop to the crossing of cattle at that 
point, from the West, for the enemy’s supply. Hansom 
captured five thousand head, of which Grant sent two thou¬ 
sand to Banks, retaining the rest for his own army.* After a 


* “ General Ransom was sent to Natchez, to stop the crossing of cattle for 
the Eastern army. On arrival, he found that large numbers had been driven 
out of the city to be pastured: also, that munitions of war had recently been 
crossed over to wait for Kirby Smith. He mounted about two hundred of his 
men, and sent them in both directions. 

“ They captured a number of prisoners, and five thousand head of Texas 
cattle, two thousand head of which were sent to General Banks. The balance 
have been or will be brought here. 

“ In Louisiana they captured more prisoners, and a number of teams loaded 
with ammunition. Over two million rounds of ammunition were brought 
back to Natchez with the teams captured, and two hundred and sixty-eight 
thousand rounds, besides artillery ammunition, were destroyed.”— Grant to 
HallecJc, July 18. . 




ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION. 


203 


short rest, lie dispatched Steele with Kimball’s division to 
Helena, to render important services to Schofield, then com¬ 
manding the Department of the Missouri; while Ord and 
Heron were sent to Banks to take part in the new movements 
projected in the Department of the Gulf. 

Grant’s headquarters were temporarily at Vicksburg, but 
he spent his time in travelling from point to point, to see the 
condition and needs of his department. And again he had 
presented to him extra military and perplexing questions, 
which he settled with great good judgment. The guerrillas 
who thronged the river-banks were outlawed. Furloughs, 
which had before been impossible, were now judiciously 
granted, to “ five per centum of the non-commissioned officers 
and privates of each regiment, battery, independent company, 
and detachment, for good conduct in their line of duty and 
while these were thus rewarded, stragglers and shirkers were 
denied furloughs, and were punished by extra duties and 
fines. 

To illustrate at once the condition of the people, and Grant’s 
caution in supplying them, we introduce the following order. 

General Orders, No. 46. 

Headquarters Department qf the Tennessee, 
Vicksburg, Mississippi, July 21, 1863. 

1. Hereafter no issues of provisions will be made for contrabands, except 
those serving in regiments or in contraband camps. 

2. Issues of provisions will not be made to citizens, except on certificates 
that they are destitute, and have no means of purchasing the necessary supplies 
for their families. These certificates must state the number of the family, and 
the time for which they draw, which shall not exceed ten days at any one 
time. 

3. In making issues to citizens, only articles of prime necessity will be given— 
i. e. y bread and meat, and these at the rate'of one pound of flour, one half-pound 
of salt meat, or one pound of fresh beef, to the ration. 

By order of 

Major-General U. S. Grant. 

Jno. A. Rawlins, A. A. G. 


He also addressed a letter to the Secretary of War, on the 
subject of trade, in which he declares, from his experience 


204 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


in West Tennessee, that any trade whatever with the rebel¬ 
lious States weakened us to the extent of thirty-three per 
cent, of our force; “ but,” he adds, “ no theory of my 
own will ever stand in the way of my executing, in good 
faith, any order I may receive from those in authority over 
me.”* 

'His kind sympathy with good soldiers was indicated at this 
time by his requiring the captain of a steamer to refund the 
excess of passage-money which he had charged, thus compel¬ 
ling our brave men who were going on furlough to pay exor¬ 
bitantly for the trip. 


* Headquarters Department of the Tennessee, 
Vicksburg, Miss., July 21, 1863. 

Sir—Y our letter of the 4th instant to me, inclosing a copy of a letter of 
same date to Mr. Mellen, special agent of the Treasury, is just received. My 
assistant adjutant-general, by whom I shall send this letter, is about starting 
for Washington ; hence I shall be very short in my reply. 

My experience in West Tennessee has convinced me that any trade what¬ 
ever with the rebellious States is weakening to us of at least thirty-three per 
cent, of our force. No matter what the restrictions thrown around trade, if any 
whatever is allowed, it will be made the means of supplying the enemy with 
what they want. Restrictions, if lived up to, make trade unprofitable, and 
hence none but dishonest men go into it. I will venture to say that no hones'' 
man has made money in West Tennessee in the last year, while many fortunes 
have been made there during that time. 

The people in the Mississippi Valley are now nearly subjugated. Keep 
trade out for a few months, and I doubt not but that the work of subjugation 
will be so complete, that trade can be opened freely with the States of Arkansas, 
Louisiana, and Mississippi; that the people of these States will be more anxious 
for the enforcement and protection of our laws than the people of the loyal 
States. They have experienced the misfortune of being without them, and are 
now in a most happy condition to appreciate their blessings. 

No theory of my own will ever stand in the way of my executing, in good 
faith, any order I may receive from those in authority over me; but my position 
has given me an opportunity of seeing what would not be known by persons 
away from the scene of war; and I venture, therefore, to suggest great caution 
in opening trade with rebels. 

I am, Sir, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

U. S. Grant, Major-General. 

Hon. S. P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury. 



ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION. 


205 


Afterwards, on tlie 29th of September, the general estab¬ 
lished an equitable tariff of fares from St. Louis to New 
Orleans, and intermediate places ; requiring that enlisted men 
should be allowed to travel in the cabin, when they desired it, 
at the same rates. 

By an order of August 10th, he confirmed the judicious 
steps before taken on the subject of free people of color, 
establishing camps for those out of employment, and employ¬ 
ing them for Government purposes; also allowing contracts 
between citizens and free people of color, for then* labor, 
which were to be registered with the provost-marshals, with 
bonds to secure the kind treatment of the negroes. 


HONORS AT MEMPHIS. 

On the 25tli of August, General Grant arrived at Memphis. 
His appearance awakened a wild enthusiasm in that city, so 
lately a liot-bed of rebellion. A committee of the citizens 
waited upon him and importuned him to receive the hospital¬ 
ities of the city, which were accompanied by a series of resolu¬ 
tions. Grant consented, without a speech, and received the 
citizens at nine that night. After an hour’s ovation and hand¬ 
shaking, there was a grand banquet, and the general was 
toasted as the guest of^the city. He refused to respond in a 
speech. A few words were said by his staff-surgeon, Dr. ✓ 
Hewitt; and a poem was read, combining his name with that 
of De Soto, who had discovered the river, and Fulton, who 
had made it alive with steamers. 

This combination of names was not very significant. The 
discovery of the river was an accident. Chance gave De Soto 
this historic fame; and a grave beneatji its waters, that no red- 
man might ever find and exhume his remains. Fulton made 
his grand experiments elsewhere, and peopled many other 
rivers with vaporing keels. 

It was the special glory of Grant, that from the day he 
moved upon Belmont until Yicksburg fell, he had bent all his 
energies to this mighty work; had risen superior to all fail- 


206 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


ures ; had been called on, again and again, to make new com¬ 
binations ; and finally, by liis conquest, had insured the 
destruction of the treason, and the speedy return of peace, 
with all its grand future developments. 

In his letter to the committee of the loyal citizens of Mem¬ 
phis, in order that he might not be misunderstood or miscon¬ 
strued by any of a different temper, he uses this language : 

“ In accepting this testimonial, which I do at a great sacri¬ 
fice of my personal feelings, I simply desire to pay a tribute 
to the first public exhibition in Memphis of loyalty to the 
Government which I represent in the Department of the Ten¬ 
nessee. I should dislike to refuse, for considerations of 
personal convenience, to acknowledge anywhere, or in any 
form, the existence of sentiments which I have so long and so 
ardently desired to see manifested in this department. The 
stability of this Government and the unity of this nation 
depend solely on the cordial support and the earnest loyalty 
of the people. While, therefore, I thank you sincerely for the 
kind expressions you have used towards myself, I am pro¬ 
foundly gratified at this public recognition, in the city of 
Memphis, of the power and authority of the Government of 
the United States.” 

Upon leaving the banqueting table at Memphis, he went 
directly to the wharf, and took boat for Yicksburg; and 
thence proceeded on a tour of relaxation and inspection. He 
stopped for a few days at Natchez, and on the 2d of Septem¬ 
ber arrived at New Orleans, to visit General Banks, for a 
short respite and rest after his protracted and arduous labors, 
and to confer with that officer about future military opera¬ 
tions. In the complications of the vast theatre, it had not 
been yet decided what would be the next field of action ; but 
the progress of events seemed to point for a time to Mobile. 

' % 

REVIEW AT.NEW ORLEANS. 

On the 4th, at Carrolton, a suburb of the Crescent City, a 
grand review took place, in which Generals Grant and Banks 


ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION. 


207 


were flanked by Wasliburne, Stone, Herron, Thomas, and 
other generals ; and here Grant met, not without emotion, 
that glorious Thirteenth Corps, which had been with him 
under McClernand and Ord at Vicksburg, and had after¬ 
wards been sent to Banks. Mounted on a magnificent 
charger, placed at his disposal by General BaTiks, Grant 
dashed at a full gallop along the lines, with difficiilty followed 
by his cortege ; and at length he drew up under a fine old 
oak, for the troops to march past. He lifted his hat with 
something more than formal courtesy, as the torn, soiled, and 
sliot-pierced colors of the Thirteenth were lowered in passing ; 
for, as his eye rested on them, his memory rushed back to the 
days when, at Belmont, Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, and all 
the battles around and at Vicksburg, those oter whom they 
waved had been the companions of his fortunes, and, in part, 
the achievers of his fame. 

But the display was attended with a serious mishap. As 
General Grant was returning to his hotel from the review of 
the Thirteenth Corps, his horse became frightened by the 
letting off of steam, with a shrill whistle, by a railroad loco¬ 
motive, and sprang wildly with such violence against a car¬ 
riage that was coming in an opposite direction, that both horse 
and rider were thrown upon the street. The result was a 
most serious accident. His hip was temporarily paralyzed by 
the concussion, and he was for twenty-one days obliged to lie 
in one position; nor did he recover so as to walk without 
crutches or mount his horse without assistance, until after he 
had reached Chattanooga, near the end of October. There 
really seemed to be danger that his services would be lost to 
the country. 

The subject of trade was provisionally arranged by a proc¬ 
lamation on the 13th of the month, declaring that unrestricted 
trade was opened to Cairo, and all towns on the Missouri and 
Ohio above it; while all places from Cairo to New Orleans 
were opened to trade, with proper restrictions. 

Grant was also very solicitous that all his men should be 
paid ; and as all official papers had, up to this time, been very 


208 




GRANT AND'IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 

loosely made out, lie now required, by order, that every man 
should be provided with a full descriptive list, whenever de¬ 
tached from his company or regiment, in order to enable him 
to draw his pay.* 

The iron frame of Grant, aided by his iron will, conquered 
the illness incident to his fall in a few weeks ; and while still 
lingering and suffering, he embarked on a steamer to proceed 
slowly up the river, in accordance with orders from Wash¬ 
ington. 

The following order will also show his solicitude that the 
organizations under his command should receive full credit 
for their gallant actions. This was done to carry out the spirit 
of General Orders, No. 19, February 22, 1862, from the Adju¬ 
tant-General’s Office. 

0 

CIRCULAR. 

Headquarters Department of the Tennessee, 
Vicksburg, Miss., July 12, 1863. 

Army corps commanders, and tlie commanders of detached divisions, with 
the army in the field, will each, as soon after the reception of this order as 
practicable, convene a board, to consist of three officers, to determine the 
battles participated in by the various regiments, batteries, and independent 
companies of this command; and forward through the usual military channels, 
to their headquarters, a list of such as are entitled, for gallantry and good con¬ 
duct, to inscribe upon their banners the names of their actions. 

By order of 

Major-General U. S. Grant. 

T. S. Bowers, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. 

. i ' .' 

It was incident to this order that there was organized at 
Vicksburg, for the Seventeenth Corps, a board of honor, 
consisting of eight principal officers, with McPherson, its 
famous commander, as advisory member. General Logan 


* “ Hereafter, no enlisted man will be sent from his company or regiment 
without such descriptive list as is herein required being furnished to the 
proper officer in charge ; and any neglect to comply with this order will subject 
the offender to trial by court-martial, and dismissal from the service. 

“ It will be the duty of all officers of the Inspector General’s Department to 
properly inspect and report any neglect of duty in this particular.”— Grant’s 
General Order, Vicksburg, September 29. 



ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION. 


209 


was president. The duty of this board was to devise and 
present a medal of honor, both as a reward and as a means of 
exciting a proper emulation, to all non-commissioned officers 
and men whose names were forwarded as worthy of this honor. 
Company commanders sent them up to the colonels, by whom 
they were forwarded to the brigade commanders, who, in turn, 
sent them to the President.* 

In our democratic fear, lest we should in any way approxi¬ 
mate to titles and insignia of nobility, our Government has 
limited itself to presenting medals of honor only to distin¬ 
guished generals. We are clearly of the opinion that the 
establishment of an order, analogous to that of the “ Legion of 
Honor,” would accomplish wonders in the military world. 
W e see in the conduct of large organizations, like the one now 
mentioned, only efforts to supply the want to a partial extent. 
A grand cross from the President of the United States would 
be worth all the brevets he could confer. It is not too late to 
inaugurate such a system, and we hope to see it carried out 
yet. 


* The device on the medals for the Seventeenth Corps was a crescent, with 
stars at each end, and a suspended shield ; and upon the crescent were the 
words, “Vicksburg, July 4, 1863.” We believe that this, or similar systems, 
were adopted in other corps, but to what extent we do not know. 



210 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. ‘ 


CHAPTER XIX. 

THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI—THE DEPARTMENT OF 

THE CUMBERLAND. 

ChICKAMAUGA.— A GLANCE AT THE TOPOGRAPHY.—The NEW COMMAND.—THE ARMY 
CONCENTRATES. — At CHATTANOOGA.— A FINE CHANCE OF STARVING.—Smith’s 
STRATAGEM. — IIoOKEE ADVANCES.—BrAGg’s FATAL ERROR.—SHERMAN MOVES.— 
Reconnoissances AND PLANS. 


We must now cast a rapid retrospective glance at the De¬ 
partment and Army of the Cumberland, which had been 
intrusted to the command of General Rosecrans. He had 
started from Nashville with a large force, to follow and defeat 
the enemy under General Bragg, and, if possible, to possess 
himself of Chattanooga. On the 2d of January, in the mur¬ 
derous battle of Murfreesboro’ or Stone River, he had defeated 
and driven away the rebel army. After a long rest and re- 
■ organization at Murfreesboro’, he had again moved upon the 
enemy, and in the battle of Chickamauga, on the 19th and 
20th of September, had sustained a partial defeat, but had 
succeeded in occupying Chattanooga. His right and centre 
had been driven back; but, thanks to the inspiration of 
Granger, and the rock-like firmness of Thomas, his left had 
stood firm, and he had at least succeeded in holding the ob¬ 
jective point of the active campaign—a point of none the less 
value because our people, depressed by the defeat, could not 
then appreciate it. 

A glance at a topographical map wall show the importance 
of Chattanooga. The key of the Tennessee River, which is 
navigable for steamboats for eight months of the year to that 


MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 


211 


point, and for smaller vessels all tlie year, it is the centre of 
a knot of railroads, and surrounded by mountain ridges, from 
which five States may be seen. It was, perhaps, the mogt im¬ 
portant strategic position in the rebel States. The Govern¬ 
ment was very solicitous that, after so much trouble to get it, 
it should not now be abandoned. The name Chattanooga 
(Indian for “ Hawk’s Nest”), indicates its local character. 
Chattanooga commands the southern entrance into Tennessee. 
It lies at the mouth of Chattanooga Yalley, which is formed 
by Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, between which 
Chattanooga Creek or river flows into the Tennessee. Roads 
run through the valley to Chattanooga, and through the Mis¬ 
sionary Ridge there is a gap at Rossville. 

Lookout Mountain is very steep and rocky, rising more than 
two thousand feet in height; the base is wooded, and the 
ascent by troops apparently impracticable. 

The South Chickamauga runs along the eastern slope of 
Mission Ridge, through McLemore’s cove. West of Lookout 
Mountain is the Lookout Creek and Yalley, through which a 
short and unfinished railroad is constructed to Trenton. 


grant’s new command. 

To effect the purpose of maintaining Chattanooga, and at 
the same time to give one head to the three separate armies 
which were to concentrate upon it, and thus to secure a more 
perfect co-operation than had been possible in the separate 
commands of Burnside and Rosecrans, General Grant, alike 
distinguished by his remarkable services and his superior 
rank, was put in command of the whole. 

He was telegraphed by Mr. Stanton to await his arrival at 
Indianapolis. There they met for the first time, and pro¬ 
ceeded together to Louisville, reaching it on the evening of 
the 18th. Arrived in that city, the secretary handed to Grant 
the following order, the military significance of which we have 
already indicated: 


212 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


General Orders, No. 337. 

"w • 

War Department, Adjutant-General’s Office, 
Washington, October 16, 1863. 

By direction of tlie President of the United States, the Departments of tho 
Ohio, of the Cumberland, and of the Tennessee, will constitute the Military 
Division of the Mississippi. Major-General U. S. Grant, United States Army, 
is placed in command of the Military Division of the Mississippi, with his head¬ 
quarters in the field. 

Major-General W. S. Rosecrans, United States volunteers, is relieved from 
the command of the Department and Army of the Cumberland. Major-General 
G. H. Thomas is hereby assigned to that command. 

By order of the Secretary of War. 

E. D. Townsend, A. A. G. 

Among Grant’s most remarkable characteristics is his sa¬ 
gacity in the choice of subordinates. It was upon his recom¬ 
mendation that Thomas had been promoted to the command 
of the Department of the Cumberland, and Sherman to that 
of the Tennessee. 

The following is the order by which Grant assumed his 
new command. It was the most extensive one ever controlled 
by one general commanding in the field in America. It com¬ 
prised three departments, nine States and portions of States, 
and extended from the Mississippi into the Alleghanies. 

General Orders, No. 1. 

Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, 
Louisville, Kentucky, October 18, 1863. 

In compliance with General Orders, No. 337, of date, Washington, District of 
Columbia, October 1G, 1863, the undersigned hereby assumes command of 
the “Military Division of the Mississippi, embracing the Departments of the 
Ohio, of the Cumberland, and of the Tennessee.” 

The headquarters of the Military Division of the Mississippi will be in the 
field, where all reports and returns required by army regulations and existing 
orders will be made. 

U. S. Grant, Major-General. 

The military force comprised the three armies of the Ten¬ 
nessee, the Cumberland, and the Ohio, and a grand division 
under General Hooker, in itself a large additional army. The 
department of the Army of the Cumberland was commanded 


MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 


213 


by General George H. Thomas; that of the Tennessee by 
General TV iiliam T. Sherman; and that of the Ohio, tempo¬ 
rarily, by General A. E. Burnside, soon to be relieved by Gen¬ 
eral John G. Foster. 

The corps commanders were Generals Gordon Granger, 
Potter, Howard, Slocum, J. M. Palmer, Logan, Hurlbut, Mc¬ 
Pherson, and Manson ; commanding respectively the Fourth, 
Ninth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, 
Seventeenth, and Twenty-third corps. In this vast territory, 
and with this great arrtty of men, Grant was about to try a 
Napoleonic problem. When that great master of the art of 
war had sent Moreau to the Rhine, in 1799, he had declared 
that there were not two men in France capable of command¬ 
ing a hundred thousand men. Every other general had two 
enemies,—one in his front, and one in the number of his men. 
A much larger command, in a very difficult territory, was now 
about to try the calibre of Grant. Of course it was only a por¬ 
tion of the large force indicated, which was to be with him at 
Chattanooga ; but he had the direction of the entire force. 

The rebel armies which he was to encounter, although not 
perhaps equal to his own, were large and well appointed. 
There was the great army of Bragg, which, constantly re¬ 
cruited, had become veterans, in fighting into and out of Ken¬ 
tucky ; and with it was the corps of Longstreet, from Lee’s 
army in Virginia. 

On the 21st of October, Grant was at Stevenson, where he 
met Generals Hooker and Rosecrans, and from there he sent 
a telegram in advance to Burnside. 

Fie had already ordered the Fifteenth Corps, except Tuttle’s 
division,* to the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, thence to 
proceed to Chattanooga; but this becoming known to the 
rebels, a force, three thousand strong, under Colonel Chal¬ 
mers, collected upon its path at Coiliersville, and came very 


* General Jolin E. Smith’s division, of the Seventeenth Corps, which was at 
Helena, en route to join Steeie, was transferred to the Fifteenth Corps, and 
marched with it in place of Tuttle’s, Steele’s exigency having passed. 




214 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


near taking Slierman and his staff prisoners. After this, 
crossing the Tennessee, he marched by its northern bank to 
Chattanooga, to the great discomfiture of the enemy. This 
was done in accordance with detailed orders of General 
Grant, sent to Sherman on the 19th of October. Up to that 
time Sherman had been moving along the Memphis and 
Charleston Railroad, repairing it, and putting it in running 
order as he advanced, under orders from the general-in- 
cliief ; but upon receipt of Grant’s orders he abandoned 
the railroad, crossed the Tennessee, moved by the north bank 
to Stevenson, and thence to Chattanooga. 

AT CHATTANOOGA. 

On the 23d of October, General Grant arrived at Chatta¬ 
nooga, and lost not a moment in making a thorough examina¬ 
tion into the condition of things. It was bad enough in all 
conscience. As early as the 19th, he had telegraphed to 
Thomas to hold Chattanooga at all hazards ; and the reply of 
that thorough soldier had been : “ I will hold the town till we 
starve.” Grant now saw for himself that, unless something 
was done immediately, the chance of starving was admirable; 
indeed the fearful process was already begun. 

The Union army had a strong position, with its flanks rest¬ 
ing on the Tennessee River, near the mouth of Chattanooga 
and Citico creeks. The enemy had encircled this fine by tak¬ 
ing position on the western slope of a part of Missionary 
Ridge, across Chattanooga Valley, and on the top and on the 
northern end of Lookout Mountain. We were thus shut off 
from all communication with Bridgeport by the left bank; 
and the river-road on the right bank was infested by his small 
bands, and by sharp-shooters from the opposite bank. 

All supplies had to be sent by a very difficult route over the 
Anderson road, almost impassable, across Walden’s Ridge, 
from Stevenson, Alabama, a distance of sixty or seventy 
miles; and the supply trains were shelled from Lookout 
Mountain, from the very day that Rosecrans had abandoned 


MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 


215 


it. A season of uninterrupted rains had made the mountain 
roads very bad, and the low lands almost bottomless; and the 
destruction of a large wagon-train of supplies, by a rebel 
raid, had added to the mischief. 

The animals were so weak that they could not draw half a 
load, the wagons were worn out by the wretched roads, the 
troops were on half-rations, and it was believed would be 
soon reduced to quarter-rations ; the horses and mules ate vo¬ 
raciously feed not provided by the quartermaster’s depart¬ 
ment—viz., wagon-boxes, fence-rails, harness, dry leaves, and 
woollen blankets. One could fancy that the bones of the artil¬ 
lery horses rattled as they moved; they were only fit for ana¬ 
tomical specimens in a veterinary museum, and they were dy¬ 
ing by thousands. 

The first thing to be done was to get supplies; otherwise 
we must evacuate, and retreat was utter ruin. 

While Bragg’s army had full supplies, it is worthy of notice 
that Wheeler’s cavalry, which was operating in our rear, was 
unable to accomplish its purpose on account of the bad roads 
and want of forage. Bragg ordered him to Middle Tennes¬ 
see, but he declined to go, on this account. 

When Hooker was at Stevenson, he had been ordered to 
move to Bridgeport, on the right bank of the Tennessee, 
about thirty miles below Chattanooga, and be ready to cross 
the river, and secure the river and wagon-roads between 
Bridgeport and Brown’s Ferry, immediately below Lookout 
Mountain. 

Tii company with General Thomas, and General W. F. 
Smith, chief engineer, General Grant made a reconnoissance 
of Brown’s Ferry, and the ranges of hills lying south of it, and 
the details of his plan were then arranged. Hooker, upon 
crossing at Bridgeport to the south side, was to march by the 
main wagon-road through Whitesides to Wauhatchie. He 
started on the 26th of October. 

Palmer, with the Fourteenth Corps, was ordered to move 
by the only tolerable road north of the river, to a point on 
the north bank, opposite Whitesides. Then he was to cross 


216 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


to tlie south bank, and follow in Hooker’s track, holding and 
guarding the road in his rear. 

A study of General Grant’s plans and operations, from the 
moment of assuming the command in person, will amply repay 
the military student. Complicated as they at first seem, each 
little detail had its part in the grand tactics of that brief but 
immortal campaign; in judgment, skill, celerity, and results, 
second to none in military history. It was the very poetry of 
the art. 


smith’s strategem. 

To aid the movements of Hooker and Palmer, which would 
have drawn a large rebel force upon them at once, General 
"William F. Smith, the chief engineer, was directed to take a 
small force of four thousand men, and proceed down the river 
to Brown’s Ferry, on the sharp bend, six miles below Chat¬ 
tanooga, without alarming the enemy. He was then to seize 
the range of steep hills at the mouth of Lookout Talley, three 
miles below Lookout Mountain, held by the enemy in small 
force, and covering the roads to his various camps, by which 
he could at any moment have brought an overwhelming force 
to command the river and defeat our plans. 

Smith’s scheme, if successful, would oblige the rebel detach¬ 
ments between Lookout Creek and Shell Mound to fall back 
behind the creek, and would permit Hooker to advance. It 
would also at once open the river up to Brown’s Ferry for 
steamboats, and give a much shorter distance for the wagon¬ 
ing.* 

On the night of the 27th of October, General Smith set out 
on his secret but perilous expedition. Embarking from twelve 
to eighteen hundred picked men, on sixty ponton-boats, thirty 


* I am indebted, in tbis portion of the narrative, to a very clear and interest 
ing account of the entire campaign, which has also the merit of brevity, to be 
found in the January number of the United States Service Magazine for 18G4. 
ft is by Mr. Preston West, of the United States Coast Survey. 




MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 


217 


in each, under Brigadier-General Hazen, a young officer of 
great dash and daring—afterwards the hero of Fort Mc¬ 
Allister, in Sherman’s great campaign—they were floated 
down the river, unobserved by three miles of pickets, until 
they reached Brown’s Ferry, six miles by water from Chat¬ 
tanooga. These, landing at two points—at only one of which 
they were fired upon—seized the pickets, and got possession 
of the spurs near the river. The remainder of the four 
thousand, who had marched by the north bank, and who lay 
in a concealed camp at Brown’s Ferry, with the bridge ma¬ 
terial, were ferried over before daylight, strengthening the first 
party. At ten o’clock in the morning, the ponton-bridge, 
nine hundred feet long, was down, and the work accomplished. 
The points occupied were at once well intrenched; our artil¬ 
lery put in position, playing upon the main road from Chat¬ 
tanooga Valley to Lookout Valley; and the enemy’s detach¬ 
ments between Lookout and Shell Mound, finding themselves 
liable to be cut off, retreated in hot haste behind the creek. 
The work, projected by General Smith, and executed by him, 
with the aid of Hazen, had been done in the handsomest 
manner. There was no delay, no bungling; the programme 
had been exactly carried out. 

m 

HOOKER ADVANCES. 

This having been accomplished, the next step was the ad¬ 
vance of Hooker. On the same day, the 28tli of October, 
that commander brought his force into Lookout Valley, at 
Wauhatchie, on the direct road from Bridgeport, through 
Whitesides, towards Chattanooga. Careful dispositions were 
made for defending the road in his rear, and also that from 
Brown’s Ferry to Kelly’s Ferry, a very important route on 
his left, nearly parallel to the road by which he moved. 

The force he had in hand was composed of Howard’s 
(Eleventh) corps, and Geary’s division of Slocum’s (Twelfth). 
The left of Howard was thrown well out towards Brown’s 

Ferry, while Geary was on the extreme right. As has been 

10 


218 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


indicated, Palmer, with the Fourteenth Corps, followed in 
Hooker’s rear, forming a strong moving base for the entire 
movement. 

And now, in order to appreciate what had been effected, let 
us again look for a moment at the former condition. Let it 
be observed that up to this time we had been literally be¬ 
sieged in Chattanooga. It is true that the rebels only con¬ 
fronted us in a concentric line, from river-bank to river-bank. 
Their force was distributed on both Lookout and Missionary 
ridges, and in the Chattanooga Valley. One brigade was in 
observation in Lookout Valley, and his pickets lay along the 
river-bank to Bridgeport. But we were equally besieged in 
rear. Starvation within, and the distance of sixty or seventy 
miles of an impracticable route for the transportation of sup¬ 
plies, constantly watched by the cavalry of the enemy. In 
this transportation by starved teams, it was calculated that 
ten thousand animals had perished. 

Why not retreat then ? The answer is clear. Retreat 
would have been disastrous in the extreme, and it was only 
possible without artillery and wagons. The communications 
were infested by the rebel cavalry and guerrilla parties. And 
yet, in one week more, it would have been the only horrible 
alternative. 

Now look at the new picture. By the skilful combinations 
of Grant, and the fine invention of Smith, all was changed. 
We now held the two excellent parallel roads—the long one 
from Bridgeport to Brown’s Ferry, and the short one from 
Kelly’s to Brown’s. The former was but twenty-eight miles 
long; and by means of the latter, if supplies were taken up 
the river on boats from Bridgeport to Kelly’s, the wagoning 
was but eight miles. From this time the supplies, although 
not superabundant, increased so that there was no suffering 
for man or beast. Chattanooga could be held against all 
odds. 

Bragg’s main hope had been to starve us out, or to make 
us retreat. Now he could only vacantly wonder what Grant 
meant by taking Lookout Valley. Was it to cover a retreat? 


MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 


219 


or* could lie have the audacity to propose the offensive ? In 
any case, he must be defeated at once ; because, said a lead¬ 
ing rebel paper, “ to stay there during the winter would be 
the ruin of both armies.” It was manifest that only one would 
stay, and the other be ruined. 

Incident to this condition of things, Mr. Jefferson Davis 
came down to inspect the situation; and as his visit to Vicks¬ 
burg had, in point of time at least, heralded its disasters, so 
now r all his glowing words—and he has a trick of oratory—■ 
could not disguise to the sagacious officers around him that 
they could not mend Bragg’s broken fortunes. Pemberton, 
the enfant terrible of the Confederate armies, is reported to 
have given his opinion in language that savored more of 
strength than righteousness. 

The truth is, that although the enemy was fully aware of 
our condition, and knew that we were seeking a shorter line, 
he had not been sufficiently vigilant : he had left the weak 
point guarded by only a single brigade. True, after they 
were thus surprised, an effort was made to recover their lost 
ground, but it was too late. Longstreet, one of the boldest 
and most rapid fighters in the rebel army, made a night 
attack upon Hooker’s extreme right, consisting of Geary’s 
division, which held an untenable position near Wauhatchie, 
separated by too long a space—a mile and a half—from the 
remainder of the command. Penetrating into this gap, their 
attack was intended to cut off and capture Geary. But How¬ 
ard was rapidly moved to the right—one division after an¬ 
other—to help Geary; and not only was the attack a failure, 
but the preponderance of Howard’s troops enabled him to 
rout the enemy, and seize the remaining crests lying west of 
Lookout Creek. Thus were we confirmed in the quiet pos¬ 
session of the roads for which we had striven. His attack 
had ended in giving, us still greater advantages. But great 
as was this success, it was only the beginning of Grant’s work. 
He did not mean to content himself with holding Chattanooga. 
The rebel impudence was now to be punished. Bragg’s army 
must not only raise the “ siege,” but must be made to fly in 


220 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


confusion. The labor was still herculean, but the hero was 
not wanting. 

Two steamers which had been captured from the enemy, 
and one which we had hastily built and equipped, at Bridge¬ 
port and Kelly’s Ferry, were at once put into requisition ; 
supplies were forwarded as rapidly as possible to the latter 
point, and then brought by wagons, eight miles only, to the 
town. 

bragg’s fatal error. 

Knowing that, at an earlier date, Burnside had been or¬ 
dered to join Bosecrans from Knoxville, Bragg, in the vain 
hope of cutting him off, and beating him in detail—over-urged 
too by the clamors of the rebel government and press, that 
he should open the way for a new invasion of Kentucky—now 
committed the fatal error of making a detachment in the face 
of a numerous and vigilant enemy. He detached Longstreet 
to attack Burnside and take Knoxville. Nothing could have 
played more completely into Grant’s hands. He could not 
conceal his joy ; but it did not hurry him into extravagances. 

His first idea was to attack Missionary Bidge without 
delay, and of this plan he informed Burnside; telling him 
to hold Knoxville to the last extremity. But a sober second- 
thought, suggested by that calm prudence which is one of 
his best characteristics, prompted him to await the arrival 
of Sherman and his army, and thus by skill and carefulness to 
leave little to chance. And so, while thus waiting, he spent 
the time in perfecting his plans, making complete reconnois- 
sances, and getting all things in readiness for his consummate 
movement. Indeed, he could lose nothing by a delay which 
had the additional merit of completely deceiving the enemy. 

SHERMAN MOVES. 

Sherman’s (Fifteenth) corps consisted of four divisions— 
Osterhaus, M. L. Smith, Tuttle, and Ewing. On the 24th of 


MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 


221 


October, lie received a telegram from Grant to put tliem in 
motion for Chattanooga.* Pursuant to this, Osterhaus with 
the First Division, was sent to Yicksburg, and there embarked 
on steamers for Memphis, to go thence by the Memphis and 
Charleston Railroad to Chattanooga. Tuttle’s division, it will 
be remembered, was left behind, but that of J. E. Smith, of 
the Seventeenth, was also taken, with the Second and Fourth, 
direct to Bridgeport, en route for Chattanooga. After varied 
adventures, they all reached them destination. 

Grant again telegraphed to Burnside his new arrangement, 
and the information that Sherman was then (on the 14th of 
November) at Bridgeport. Fie could not send men to Burn¬ 
side, for they could not then be supplied, the country around 
being devastated in a large area. -The importunities from 
and in behalf of Knoxville were numerous and urgent. Hal- 
leck, the general-in-chief, besought Grant to relieve Burn¬ 
side, and avert the-catastrophe of losing Knoxville and East 
Tennessee. But it was impossible at a distance from the 
field to appreciate the difficulties and delicacies of such a 
position as that in which our army was now placed. The 
problem was in Grant’s hands, and he alone saw the solu¬ 
tion.! Longstreet at Knoxville must be neutralized and 
ruined by Sherman’s new re-enforcements at Chattanooga. 


* Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, 
Chattanooga, October 24, 1863. 

Major-General W. T. Sherman, Corinth, Miss.: 

Drcp every tiling east of Rear Creek, and move with your entire force 
towards Stevenson, until you receive further orders. The enemy are evidently 
moving a large force towards Cleveland, and may break through our lines and 
move on Nashville ; in which event, your troops are the only forces at command 
that could beat them there. With your forces here before the enemy cross the 
Tennessee, we could turn their flank so as to force them back and save the pos¬ 
sibility of a move northward this winter. 

U. S. GraNT, Major-General. 

f Mr. Dana, the able and energetic Assistant Secretary of War, was with 
General Grant, and always seemed highly satisfied with both his plans and 
their execution; indeed, never were such complex plans more judiciously made, 
and more precisely executed. 



222 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


The blow which would scatter Bragg's force on Mission 
Ridge, would pass like an electric shock to the besiegers of 
Knoxville , and send them, disjointed and destitute, to ravage 
“ their own people,” until they could join Lee in Virginia. 
Sending Colonel Wilson of his staff—accompanied by the 
Assistant Secretary, Mr. Dana—to Knoxville, to explain the 
situation, Grant hurried forward his plans. In the mean time, 
Burnside must lure Longstreet on, making a show of fight at 
Loudon, Lenoir, and Campbell’s Station, as he fell back to 
Knoxville ; and then allow himself to be besieged, only holding 
Knoxville at all hazards. 

RECONNOISSANCES AND PLANS. 

A careful reconnoissance of the country north of the Ten¬ 
nessee, eastward to the South Chickamauga, and another to 
the northern end of Missionary Eidge, was made under the 
direction of General William F. Smith. There was a good 
road from Brown’s Ferry, behind Chattanooga, concealed for 
the most part by hills, so that although the enemy saw the 
troops moving northward from the ferry, they might well 
suppose that it was a movement in favor of Knoxville, instead 
of a direct manoeuvre in their front. 

Grant’s plan took consistency as follows : Sherman, with his 
own troops and one of Thomas’s divisions, was to cross the 
river from the north bank, just below the mouth of the South 
Chickamauga, protected by a cross-fire of artillery. Thomas 
was to co-operate with Sherman thus • The troops ip. Chatta¬ 
nooga Valley, on his left, were to move directly forward upon 
the enemy, one division being a movable body for any service 
that the exigencies of the field might require. The point of 
attack was the northern end of Mission Eidge, and communi¬ 
cation was to be kept open between Thomas and Sherman by 
the roads on the south bank of the river. Howard’s (Eleventh) 
corps was to be marched to the north bank as a reserve, to 
co-operate wherever they might be needed. All the troops 
designed for the grand movement were furnished with two 


MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 


223 


day’s cooked rations in tlieir haversacks, and one hundred 
rounds of ammunition to the man. 

While these arrangements were made for the attack in 
front, Grant gave special directions to Thomas and Sherman 
that it was of the greatest importance to send a cavalry force 
to the right and rear of the enemy to cut the railroad, some¬ 
where between Cleveland and Dalton, and thus to sever 
Longstreet’s southern communications with Bragg. Grant 
and the enemy were at cross-purposes, evidently : they had 
manoeuvred to cut off Burnside, and he to cut off Longstreet! 
Which was wise and which foolish, we shall soon see. The 
rebels have often boasted that they were overpowered by 
numbers : they were here entirely outgeneralled. 


224 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


CHAPTER XX. 

THE GRAND MOVEMENT BEGUN. 


Sherman marches.—Thomas’s advance.—Sherman crosses and takes position.— 
Hooker co-operates.—All ready along the line.—The Confederates.— 
Waiting for Hooker.—Storming of the ridge.—Hooker attacks.—The 
fight ended and pursuit begun.—Pursuit discontinued.'—Comments. 


Having anticipated, in order to indicate the principal fea¬ 
tures of the programme, let us now observe with what singular 
order and exactitude it was carried out. 

Sherman’s troops marched from Bridgeport by way of "White- 
sides, crossed the river at Brown’s Ferry, moved up the north 
bank, and were kept concealed from the enemy, and thus 
reached a point not far from the mouth of the South Chicka- 
mauga. One hundred and sixteen ponton-boats had been 
carried by a concealed road to the mouth of the North 
Chickamauga. The bridge site had been selected just below 
the South Chickamauga, where the terrain in front formed a 
good natural tete-de-pont, and where the artillery could be 
advantageously posted. Sherman’s force, which had arrived 
on the 23d of November, now consisted of the Fifteenth 
Corps, under the command of General Blair; but at the 
crossing of Brown’s Ferry, the division of Osterhaus, having 
been detained by the breaking of the ponton-bridge, was 
directed to report to Hooker, and was with that general in 
the subsequent movements. 


THE GRAND MOVEMENT BEGUN. 


225 


THOMAS’S ADVANCE. 

Leaving Sherman for a moment, all ready to make his 
crossing on the 23d, we must now notice the very clever 
movement of Thomas, which was to play a most important 
part in the complications of the drama. On the 22d, some 
deserters from Bragg’s army reported that he was falling 
back. This statement received some confirmation, in the 
opinion of General Grant, from the following dispatch received 
by him from Bragg : 

Headquarters Army of Tennessee, 

• In the Field, Nov. 20, 1S63. 

Major-General U. S. Grant, 

Commanding United States Forces at Chattanooga : 

General— As there may sti]l be some non-combatants in Chattanooga, I 
deem it proper to notify you that prudence would dictate their early with¬ 
drawal. 

I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Braxton Bragg, General commanding. 

Grant determined to test the question. He directed Tho¬ 
mas, whose line lay one mile out from Chattanooga creek 
to Citico creek, to make a reconnoissance with his own 
troops, and Howard’s corps, which had been brought across 
the river again, for fear of the destruction of the pontons. 
As events proved, this was a most timely movement : one 
division of Buckner’s corps had already been sent to re- 
enforce Longstreet, and another was just in motion to follow 
it, but was hastily recalled on account of Thomas’s attack. 
This preponderance might have been fatal fo Burnside. 

Thomas moved forward on the afternoon of the 23d, in such 
close and well-ordered lines, that prisoners from the enemy 
afterwards declared they thought he was preparing for a 
review and a drill. General Wood’s division was in front; 
General Howard’s corps, in reserve ; while General Sheridan’s 
division, of the Fourth, and Palmer’s (Fourteenth) corps, also 
stood ready, under arms, to move as might be required. 


226 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


The heavy guns of Fort Wood were opened upon the enemy’s 
first position, at the moment General Wood began to move. 

Grant, with Thomas, Granger, and Howard, stood upon the 
ramparts of Fort Wood, watching the advance, than which 
nothing could be more admirable. Moving forward, without 
wavering for a moment, under a heavy fire, Wood, of Granger’s 
corps, reached the foot of Orchard Knob, about a mile from 
Fort Wood. There, without halting, he ordered a charge. 
The summit was carried; an important point was gained ; and 
an excellent diversion was made in favor of Sherman’s coming 
movement. 

On the night of the 23d, a heavy battery was taken to the 

captured position from Fort Wood, and our lines were strongly 

intrenched. Sheridan was moved up on the right, in echelon ; 

and Palmer also moved forward his corps in support. 

♦ 

SHERMAN CROSSES AND TAKES POSITION. 

We return to Sherman. At one o’clock in the morning of 
the 24th, concealed by the darkness, three thousand men of 
Sherman’s command were conveyed, by the ponton-boats, 
from the mouth of the North Chickamauga to the point 
selected for the bridge. They were safely landed; and by 
noon of that day two ponton-bridges had been laid—one, 
one thousand four hundred feet long, over the Tennessee, and 
one, two hundred feet long, over the South Chickamauga, to 
open a route for the cavalry. The remainder of his force had 
been brought down by the captured steamer Dunbar, with a 
barge in tow ; and they immediately threw up two strong lines 
cf rifle-pits, to protect the approach to the bridge. By day¬ 
light of the 24th, eight thousand men of his command were on 
the south side ; and the rest of his force, crossing upon the 
bridge, had reached the north end of Missionary Ridge by three 
o’clock, at a point near the railroad tunnel, and were soon in¬ 
trenched. That night he still further fortified his position, 
rendering it unassailable by the enemy, and making it a strong 
point of departure for the grand movement which was to take 


THE GRAND MOVEMENT BEGUN. 


227 


place the next day. The injunction of General Grant, that 
the railroad should be destroyed, was obeyed by sending 
Colonel Long, with a brigade of cavalry taken from Thomas’s 
army. This officer was entirely successful. He moved along 
the Chattanooga and Cleveland Bailroad ; burned Tyner’s 
Station; destroyed the depot at Cleveland, and also a valu¬ 
able gun-cap factory ; and captured one hundred wagons and 
two hundred prisoners. 

HOOKER CO-OPERATES. 

On the same day, the 24th, Hooker moved, to carry out his 
part in this great programme, which may be epitomized thus : 
He was to take Lookout Mountain, cross the Chattanooga 
Valley to Bossville, and advance upon Missionary Bidge by the 
Bossville Gap. Howard having been detached, the force with 
which Hooker moved to effect this was composed of Geary’s 
division, of the Twelfth Corps ; a part of Stanley’s, of the 
Fourth ; and Osterhaus’s, of the Fifteenth. 

Climbing the precipitous slope of Lookout on the west, he 
drove the enemy* from his defences on the northern slope, cap¬ 
turing a large number of prisoners. This set the seal to the 
raising of the blockade. Steamers now ran unmolested all 
the way from Bridgeport to Chattanooga ; and although the 
Bichmond Dispatch disposes of it by saying that Lookout 
Mountain was evacuated because it was no longer important 
after the loss of Lookout Valley, it was, in reality, a new 
defeat for the enemy. *; 

ATT, READY ALONG THE LINE. 

Tuesday, the 24th, on which these movements were made, 
was a dark and disagreeable day. Bain and mist contended 
for the mastery ; heavy clouds capped the bold mountain sum¬ 
mits, giving a striking natural effect to the battle-clouds 
around ; but a splendid battle-moon—called by General 
Meigs, in happy quotation, “ the traitor’s doom”—shone out 

“9 


228 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


at night, and a clearer atmosphere displayed the long line of 
onr camp-fires, marking the position from which our troops 
were to spring the next day, in glorious triumph, upon the 
enemy. 

It was a sight beyond the power of the painter’s art, but 
which may well inspire the pen of the epic poet. Sherman 
was on Missionary Ridge, in front of Tunnel Hill, forming the . 
left of our line ; Thomas in the centre, at Orchard Knob, and 
occupying the lines to the right and left; and Hooker was 
coming up on the right, to take part in the grand charge. 

Communications were open between these bodies, from Look¬ 
out Mountain to the end of Missionary Ridge ;—that between 
Sherman and Thomas being secured by the Eleventh Corps, 
under Howard; and that between Thomas and Hooker having 
been effected by Carlin, with one brigade, who joined Hooker 
from Chattanooga, not without some resistance from the 
enemy at the crossing of Chattanooga Creek. 

On the night of the 23d, and during a part of the 24th, 
General Grant’s headquarters were at Fort Wood. The rest of 
the time he was at Orchard Knob or “ Indian Hill,” from 
which he saw the embattled hosts spread out before him as in 
an amphitheatre; or else he was riding along the advanced line, 
frequently exposed to shot and shell, but so intent upon the suc¬ 
cessful carrying out of his plans, and the weight of responsi¬ 
bility resting upon him, as to be totally unconscious of the 
danger. Everywhere he was the impersonation of an untiring, 
sublime, resistless energy. 

On the morning of Wednesday, the 25tli of November, 
Hooker, leaving a small force on Lookout Mountain to hold 
the position, moved down the western slope into Chattanooga 
Talley, which had now been abandoned by the enemy. It 
was evident that the intention of the rebel general was to 
mass his troops on Sherman’s front. Hooker was delayed at 
-the creek for three hours, in building the broken bridge upon 
which he was to cross, and move by the Rossville road to the 
ascent of Mission Ridge. In the mean time, an artillery duel 
took place between Orchard Knob and Missionary Ridge, and 


THE GRAND MOVEMENT BEGUN. 


. 229 


from Wood’s redoubt a fierce fire was kept up over tlie beads 
of our men. It was now evident that the rebels were con¬ 
centrating their forces to crush Sherman, whose line lay 
^across the mountain and to the railroad-bridge across Cliicka- 
mauga Creek, and thus threatened the enemy’s stores and the 
railroad at Chickamauga Station. 

Grant and Bragg were now in entirely new relative positions. 
To the rebel general it was evident that Sherman must be 
driven away, or retreat was inevitable. It was equally Grant’s 
determination to carry the ridge, and drive Bragg away. To 
confront the rebel masses now thronging the ridge, Grant was 
bringing all his forces to attack, it. Foiled in his strategy, over¬ 
reached in his grand tactics, Bragg must now resort to the 
simplest battle-tactics. It was a great fall; and if he should 
be beaten even in this, how great the humiliation ! 

From the position occupied by Sherman’s line a valley 
stretched in front. Then came another hill, intrenched by the 
enemy, which in turn was commanded by a higher hill, with 
a plunging fire upon the first. Between these two was a 
gorge, through which the railroad-tunnel passed, and in 
which the enemy sheltered his masses of troops until they 
could be brought into action. The enemy had every advan¬ 
tage of position. 

Sherman’s troops were thus disposed in line : The brigades 
of Cockerell, Alexander, and Lightburn held the hill first, oc¬ 
cupied, as the key-point. Corse’s brigade on the narrow 
ridge formed the right centre, and was to be re-enforced, 
in moving to the attack, by one regiment from Lightburn. 
General Morgan L. Smith was to move along the east base 
of Missionary Ridge, connecting with Corse; while Colonel 
Loomis, supported by the two reserve brigades of General 
John E. Smith, moved along the west base. 

General Sherman’s duty was twofold;—to beat the enemy 
if possible ; and, at all events, to keep him in full force in his 
front, while an attack should be made in another part of the 
field. The assault of General Corse was entirely successful; 
while M. L. Smith and Loomis, by gaining ground on the left 


230 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


and right, formed an excellent diversion in favor of the 
assaulting party. Two reserve brigades, which were brought 
up to re-enforce the attacking column on the right, were ex¬ 
posed to a severe fire in flank in an open field, and fell back 
in some disorder to the edge of the timber.* No better 
service was done on that day than that by Sherman in stem¬ 
ming the furious attacks of overwhelming rebel masses, and 
in his judicious counter-attacks. His whole conduct on that 
day gives a new application of Burns’ homely couplet— 

“ What’s done, we partly may compute, 

And partly what’s resisted.” 

1 

Grant was now occupying a post of observation on Indian 
Hill or Orchard Knob, from wdiich he could observe the 
enemy massing heavily against Sherman, and Sherman’s 
gallant resistance and counter-attacks. To re-enforce him, 
Grant started Baird’s division; but learning, before it had 
proceeded far, that Sherman could dispense with its service, 
it was withdrawn and posted between Wood and Howard. 
Still more regiments did the enemy pour upon our left, now 
firing upon Howard’s left and Mathies’ brigade. 

THE CONFEDERATES. 

The rebel army was commanded, under Bragg, by Hardee 
and Breckinridge. Hardee, holding their right, embraced 
the divisions of Cleburne, Walker, Cheatham, and Stevenson. 
Walker’s ^ division, owing to the temporary absence of its 


* Sherman says in his report: “ The movement, seen from Chattanooga, 
five miles off, gave rise to the report, which even General Meigs had repeated, 
that we were repulsed on the left. Not so. The real attacking column of 
General Corse, Colonel Loomis, and General Smith were not repulsed. They 
engaged in a close struggle all day, persistently, stubbornly, and well. When 
the two reserve brigades of General John E. Smith fell back as described, the 
enemy made a show of pursuit, but were caught in flank by the well-directed 
fire of our brigade on the wooded crest, and hastily sought his cover behind 
the hill.” 



THE GRAND MOVEMENT BEGUN. 


231 


general, was commanded by Gist. Breckinridge, on tlieir left, 
bad his own division, now commanded by General Lewis, and 
those of Stewart and Hindman, with a portion of Buckner’s; 
a force not equal to our own, but having, in position and 
possession, far more than a counterbalance for the disparity - 
of numbers. 

Among the generals there was not one military head of a 
superior order. Bragg had the best, but that was neither 
cool nor capable of rapid combinations. Hardee, next in 
order, was an educated soldier, who had even been sent by 
the Government to France to profit by the cavalry training 
there. But, with no effort of his own, he had been vastly 
overrated. The tactics called by his name-were but an exact 
translation from the French, which could have been made 
by almost any second-lieutenant. He was brave and constant, 
but not equal to any Federal corps commander on that field. 
Breckinridge had no claims to generalship, as few political 
generals on either side have had ; and Buckner was known as 
the only general who had the manliness to remain and sur¬ 
render Fort Donelson, which Floyd should have held. Many 
writers overestimate the power and talent of their enemy, in 
order indirectly to exalt their heroes. Conformity with truth 
compels us to say that the rebels were greatly outgeneralled. 
Grant’s natural gifts were vastly superior to those of Bragg, 
and Grant’s generals found no match in the rebel ranks. 

bragg’s tactical error. 

With a singular fatality, Bragg had now committed, in a 
tactical form, an error quite as great as that which he had 
made strategically by detaching LongStreet; an error which 
Grant had been tempting him to commit. 

In strengthening his right, in order to crush Sherman, he 
had foolishly weakened his centre ; and Grant immediately 
took advantage of it. 

As the allied armies at Austerlitz had committed the great 
fault of uncovering their centre, in order to flank Napoleon’s 


232 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


right, so had Bragg done, to crush Grant’s left; and, as the 
emperor waited until the movement was fairly completed, 
before he hurled Soult into the gap, thus did Grant stand in 
readiness to push Thomas and Hooker forward, and break 
the enemy’s line irretrievably. Our troops fought magnifi¬ 
cently, but the field was won by tactical superiority. 

WAITING FOR HOOKER. 

Grant’s eyes were now fixed upon the direction in which 
Hooker was to approach, for the appearance of the head of 
his column in the Bossville road was to be the signal for the 
grand storming. Hooker, as we have seen, was unavoidably 
detained by the broken bridge across Chattanooga Creek ; 
but no time had been lost in rebuilding it: indeed the Twenty- 
seventh Missouri, of Osterhaus’s division, had run across upon 
the stringers as soon as they were laid. 

At length Hooker approaches. It is now half-past three. 
Grant, Thomas, and other generals are conferring for a mo¬ 
ment, and the result is an order which places the troops in 
readiness for movement. Twenty minutes to four, and from a 
battery at which the gunners have been waiting with ill-con¬ 
cealed impatience, the signal-guns agreed upon are fired,—a 
regular salute, one—two—three—four—five—six! 

THE STORMING OF THE RIDGE. 

Number six has hardly sounded his brazen note, before 
the inert mass is instinct with life. The skirmishers of Wood 
and Sheridan are away, followed by the fiery lines. All the 
forts and batteries bellow their harsh thunder over the heads 
of our men. Nothing can impair their ardor. They realize 
Byron’s 

“ Fiery mass 

Of living valor rolling on the foe.” 

They charge the rifle-pits at the foot of the ridge. On the 


TIIE GRAND MOVEMENT BEGUN. 


233 


left of Wood moves Baird’s division, under tlieir gallant 
leader, while Johnston leads his division in line on the right 
of Sheridan. They have no orders to go further than the 
foot of the ridge, but when they see the enemy swarming 
like bees out of the rifle-pits, and flying before them, they 
do not stop for orders. They halt but a moment to re-form, 
and then, in spite of a terrible storm of soughing shot, scream¬ 
ing shell, pattering canister, and whizzing bullets, they dash 
forward to storm the height. An aid-de-camp follows them, 
crying out, “ Take the ridge, if you canbut it was an 
order to sanction what they were already doing. 

The lines ascend the hill in many wedge-forms, the advan¬ 
cing colors in the forward angle of each. The artillery, from 
our positions, fires furiously over the heads of our men. A gun 
from Orchard Knob, sighted by General Granger in person, 
explodes a rebel caisson on the ridge. The enemy, in surprise 
and confusion, fire too high, and do less damage to our men 
than might have been expected. 

It is now evident to the excited beholder that the color- 
bearers are running a race. The men paijtake of the enthu¬ 
siasm, until all are at a white heat. Each regiment strains 
forward to place its colors first upon the rebel battlements. 
Let all win. Many regiments have o claimed the honor, but 
those who have the best right to judge, have declared that it 
is impossible to discover what color-bearer first planted the 
stars and stripes upon the enemy’s works. 

Just as the sun is sinking in the west, the great sea of 
Union soldiers bursts upon the rebel ridge, and the day is 
ours. To the searcher among military picturesques, there is 
no more splendid scene than this in any war ;—the wild moun¬ 
tain scenery; the crests gilded by the. slanting light; the 
ravines and valleys in shadow; the thunder of battle, the 
shouts of victory, and the great sun, seeming to pause for a 
moment, to take in the story which lie was to tell as he 
journeyed to the Western lands, and which the whole world 
was to learn and never forget. * 

The rebels throw down their arms by regiments. Our sol- 


234 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 

* 

diers, in their battle-rage, bayonet the cannoneers at their 
guns. In an instant the guns are turned upon the fleeing foe. 
Bragg and Breckinridge barely escape capture ; their flying 
horses are seen as Wood and Sheridan ride upon the heights. 

• » * ■. 

hooker’s attack. 

At the same time that the troops of Granger and Palmer, 
under Sheridan and Wood, were thus storming the enemy’s 
heights, Hooker’s forces came up through the gap on the 
Bossville road, full upon the left flank of the enemy, while 
Johnston charged in front; but the rebels were already so 
demoralized that they offered but a feeble resistance. 

A final effort was made by the rebels upon Turchin’s brigade 
of Baird’s division; but although most fiercely led by their 
officers, who seemed to have devoted themselves to death, it 
was unsuccessful.* 

If Bragg had failed as a general, he certainly exerted him¬ 
self as a soldier to rally and reform his men. He was exposed 
to a severe fire, and the danger of capture ; but he and his 
staff-officers were the last to leave the ridge. 

The captured positions were now scenes of the wildest ex¬ 
citement ; shouts and cheers rang out, and echoed from 
mountain-top to mountain-top, for a distance of six miles; 
while the stars and stripes fluttered telegraphic signals to 
each other along the whole line. Among the most distin¬ 
guished of the generals who led the advance, where all were 
distinguished, were Wood and Sheridan. “ Soldiers,” said 
the former, as he rode along the line of his troops, “ you were 
ordered to take the rebel rifle-pits at the foot of the hill. You ' 


* Pollard says: “We (the rebels) ought to have won the day, especially 
considering the advantages of our position, by which the ranks of the enemy 
were exposed to an artillery fire while in the plain, and to an infantry fire 
when they attempted the ascent of the mountain.” And again : “ A disgraceful 
panic ensued ; the whole left wing of the Confederates became involved, gave 
way, and scattered in unmitigated rout. The day was lost, and shamefully 
lost.” 



THE GRAND' MOVEMENT BEGUN. 


235 


did so ; and then, without orders, yon pushed forward, and 
took all the enemy’s works on top. Here is a fine chance for 
having you all court-martialled ; and I will appear as principal 
witness against you, unless you promise me one thing, and 
that is, that you will continue to hold them against all oppo¬ 
sition of Bragg, Johnston, Jeff. Davis, and the devil!” 

Sheridan’s horse was killed under him, and “Little Phil” 
mounted at once a captured gun, to gain the necessary eleva¬ 
tion. He displayed that splendid mixture of coolness and 
dash which have since made him famous on the final fields of 
the war. 


THE FIGHT ENDED, AND THE PURSUIT BEGUN. 

Hightfall put an end to the fighting, and precluded a gen¬ 
eral pursuit; but Sheridan pushed on without delay to Mis¬ 
sion Mills. By twelve o’clock that night, Bragg had aban¬ 
doned all his positions on Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga 
Valley, and Missionary Bidge, and his army was in rapid motion 
on the road to Binggold, and thence to Dalton. He left be¬ 
hind him six thousand prisoners, besides stragglers who were 
picked up for several days afterwards, forty guns, upwards of 
seven thousand small-arms, and a quantity of ammunition.* 

* No Spartan dispatches during the Peloponnesian war could have been 
more laconic than the terms in which the rival commanders announced the 
tidings to their respective governments. Grant writes to Halleck (mark the 
caution and modesty): 

“ Although the battle lasted from early dawn till dark this evening, I’believe 
I am not 'premature in announcing a comple victory over Bragg. 

“ Lookout Mountain-top, all the rifle-pits in Chattanooga Valley, and Mission¬ 
ary Ridge entire have been carried, and are now held by us. 

“ U. S. Grant, Major-General.” 

Bragg writes to General Cooper, from Chickamauga (mark the suppressio 
veri): 

“ After several unsuccessful assaults on our lines to-day, the enemy carried 
the left centre about four o’clock. The whole left soon gave way in considerable 
disorder. The right maintained its ground, and repelled every attack. I am • 
withdrawing all to this point. 


“Braxton Bragg.” 



236 


GlUNT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Early tlie next morning, Sherman pursued the enemy by 
way of Chickamauga Station on the Dalton Bailroad ; while 
Hooker and Palmer moved on the Bossville road, to strike the 
railroad between Grayville and Binggold. At the latter place 
Bragg had posted Cleburne in the gorge of the White Oak 
Bidge, and on the crest of Taylor’s Bidge. And here a 
severe battle ensued. The enemy’s forces were concealed 
until we were within a few paces of his guns, and in conse¬ 
quence we suffered severely. But this was only a Parthian 
shot, for he was soon driven away to Tunnel Hill, twenty miles 
from Chattanooga. 

Great generals are only amenable to be criticised as to their 
strategy and tactics, but a special interest attaches to their 
personality. We are not content to know only their plans and 
their successes; we desire also to be told of their appearance 
and personal conduct on the field of war. The emasculated 
Saxe in his carriage ; Napoleon at the bridge of Areola; Wolfe, 
already twice wounded, leading the Highlanders to the last 
assault on the Heights of Abraham, have a peculiar charm for 
all readers. We are not without a record of Grant’s bearing 
^t Chattanooga. One of his staff writes : 

“ It has been a matter of universal wonder in this army that 
General Grant himself was not killed, and that no more acci¬ 
dents occurred to his staff; for the general was always in the 
front (his staff with him, of course), and perfectly heedless of 
the storm of hissing bullets and screaming shell flying around 
him. His apparent want of sensibility does not arise from 
heedlessness, heartlessness, or vain military affectation, but 
from a sense of the responsibility resting upon him when in 
battle. When at Binggold, we rode for half a mile in the face 
of the enemy, under an incessant fire of cannon and musketry ; 
nor did we ride fast, but upon an ordinary trot; and not once 
do I believe did it enter the general’s mind that he was in 
danger. I was by his side, and watched him closely. In 
riding that distance we were going to the front, and I could 
see that he was studying the positions of the two armies ; and, 


THE GRAND MOVEMENT BEGUN. 


237 


of course, planning how to defeat the enemy, who was here 
making a most desperate stand, and was slaughtering our men 
fearfully.” 


THE PURSUIT DISCONTINUED. 

Davis’s division of Sherman’s column came up to Ringgold 
at noon of the same day; and Howard’s corps was s^pt over 
to Red Clay, to destroy the railroad between Cleveland and 
Dalton. On the 28tli, the Fifteenth Corps effectually de¬ 
stroyed the railroad from a point near Ringgold to the State 
line ; and then Sherman was permitted to send back his train, 
and make a sweep to the north as far as the Hiawassee. This 
was the end of the Chattanooga campaign. Had it not been 
for the necessity of relieving Burnside in Knoxville, Grant 
would have made an unrelenting pursuit, and utterly destroyed 
the demoralized army of Bragg; but the two were incompati¬ 
ble. Burnside had declared that his supplies would only last 
until the 3d of December, and Knoxville could not be aban¬ 
doned ; so Bragg was permitted to save himself by a rapid 
retreat, burning the railroad behind him as he went. 

COMMENTS. 

If we look back at this great theatre, and the scenes enacted 
upon it, we find no military common-places ; every feature of 
it was very striking. It was a battle-field of the Titans, ex¬ 
tending for six miles on Missionary Ridge, and five on Lookout 
Mountain. The movements and combinations were consum¬ 
mately planned and magnificently executed, with clockwork 
precision. It called forth the encomiums of the best military 
minds in the world. General Halleck, in a supplementary re¬ 
port, used the following language : “ Considering the strength 
of the rebel position, and the difficulty of storming his in- 
trenchments, the battle of Chattanooga must be regarded as 
one of the most remarkable in history. Not only did the officers 
and men exhibit great skill and daring in their operations on 


238 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


the field, but tlie highest praise is also due to the commanding 
general, for his admirable dispositions for dislodging the 
enemy from a position apparently impregnable. Moreover, 
by turning his right flank, and throwing him back upon Ring- 
gold and Dalton, Sherman’s forces were interposed between 
Bragg and Longstreet, so as to prevent any possibility of their 
forming a junction.” 

Quartermaster-General Meigs, who was on the field, bears 
his testimony thus : “ Not so well-directed and well-ordered a 
battle has taken place during the war.” 

Upon these hints we speak. The rebellion was again 
pierced through its centre ; the way was opened for Sherman’s 
magnificent campaign; the fall of Savannah, and the capture 
of Charleston, were foreshadowed; and the end of the rebel¬ 
lion, already a foregone conclusion, was rapidly hurried for¬ 
ward. The “ question of time” was nearing its solution. 

Other volumes must and will contain the records of the dis¬ 
tinguished generals who here served under Grant: Thomas, 
the embodiment of prudence and rock-like courage; Sher¬ 
man, of tireless brain, and equally tireless hand; Hooker, who 
retrieved at Chattanooga the disasters of Chancellorsville; 
Howard, the best type of the Christian soldier; brave Gran¬ 
ger ; constant Palmer; gallant Wood, and dashing Sheridan. 
Romantic pens will never tire of describing the picturesques 
of the great war in this Switzerland of America. Economists 
will show how we despoiled the enemy of his largest nitre and 
coal beds ; and thus, by cutting off his resources, crippled his 
energies. The quick inventive genius of William F. Smith 
will not be forgotten. Of him General Grant said, in recom¬ 
mending him for promotion, that he “ felt under more than 
ordinary obligations to the masterly manner in which he had 
discharged his duties and General Sherman attributed the 
ease and timeliness of his crossing the Tennessee to his genius 
and intelligence. We neglect none: they were all glorious. 
Nay, more; we cannot help pitying the utter discomfiture of 
Bragg, while we admire his bravery. 

Impartial history will be just to all the acts and the actors, 


THE GRAND MOVEMENT BEGUN. 


239 


but above them all will sliine, in golden characters, the name 
of the great commander who, upon the heels of one great con¬ 
quest, transformed a beleaguered army of starving soldiers into 
fiery columns of attack, and snatched an immortal victory out 
of the jaws of disaster and anticipated ruin. That man was 
Grant. 

We close this chapter with General Meigs’ dispatch to the 
Secretary of War, to which we have already referred : 


Headquarters Chattanooga, November 26, 1863. 
Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War: 

Sir —On tlie 23d instant, at half-past eleven A. M., General Grant ordered 
a demonstration against Missionary Ridge, to develop the force holding it. 
The troops marched out, formed in order, and advanced in line of battle as if 
on parade. 

The rebels watched the formation and movement from their picket-lines 
and rifle-pits, and from the summits of Missionary Ridge, five hundred feet 
above us, and thought it was a review and drill, so openly ancl deliberately, so 
regular, was it all done. , 

The line advanced, preceded by skirmishers, and at two o'clock p. m. 
reached our picket-lines, and opened a rattling volley upon the rebel pickets, 
who replied, and ran into their advanced line of rifle-pits. After them went 
our skirmishers, and into them, along the centre of the line of twenty-five thou¬ 
sand troops which General Thomas had so quickly displayed, until we opened 
fire. Prisoners assert that they thought the whole movement was a review 
and general drill, and that it was too late to send to their camps for re-enforce¬ 
ments, and that they were overwhelmed by force of numbers. It was a surprise 
in open daylight. 

At three P. M., the important advanced position of Orchard Knob and the 
lines right and left were in our possession, and arrangements were ordered for 
holding them during the night. 

The next day, at daylight, General Sherman had five thousand men across 
the Tennessee, and established on its south bank, and commenced the construc¬ 
tion of a ponton-bridge about six miles above Chattanooga. The rebel steamer 
Dunbar was repaired at the right moment, and rendered effective aid in this 
crossing, carrying over six thousand men. 

By nightfall, General Sherman had seized the extremity of Missionary 
Ridge nearest the river, and was intrenching himself. General Howard, with 
a brigade, opened communication with him from Chattanooga on the south 
side of the river. Skirmishing and cannonading continued all day on the left 
and centre. General Hooker scaled the slopes of Lookout Mountain, and from 
the valley of Lookout Creek drove the rebels around the point. He captured 


210 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


some two thousand prisoners, and established himself high up the mountain 
side, in full view of Chattanooga. This raised the blockade, and now steamers 
were ordered from Bridgeport to Chattanooga. They had run only to Kelley’s 
Ferry, whence ten miles of hauling over mountain roads, and twice across the 
Tennessee on ponton-bridges, brought us our supplies. 

All night the’ point of Missionary Ridge on the extreme left, and the side 
of Lookout Mountain on the extreme right, blazed with the camp-fires of loyal 
troops. 

The day had been one of dense mists and rains, and much of General Hook¬ 
er’s tattle icas fought above the clouds, which concealed him from our view, but 
from which his musketry was heard. 

At nightfall the sky cleared, and the full moon—“ the traitor’s doom”— 
shone upon the beautiful scene, until one A. M., when twinkling sparks upon 
the mountain side showed that picket skirmishing was going on. Then it 
ceased. A brigade sent from Chattanooga crossed the Chattanooga Creek and 
opened communication with Hooker. 

General Grant’s headquarters during the afternoon of the 23 d and the day 
of the 24th were in Wood’s redoubt, except when in the course of the day he rode 
along the advanced line, visiting the headquarters of the several commanders in 
Chattanooga Valley. 

At daylight on the 25tli the stars and stripes were descried on the peak of 
Lookout. The rebels had evacuated the mountain. 

Hooker moved to descend the mountain, striking Missionary Ridge at the 
Rossville Gap, to sweep both sides and its summit. 

The rebel troops were seen, as soon as it was light enough, streaming regi¬ 
ments and brigades along the narrow summit of Missionary Ridge, either con¬ 
centrating on the right to overwhelm Sherman, or marching for the railroad to 
raise the siege. 

They had evacuated the Valley of Chattanooga. Would they abandon that 
of Chickamauga ? 

The twenty-pounders and four-and-a-quarter inch rifles of Wood’s redoubt 
opened on Missionary Ridge, which with rifled Parrott’s answered, and the 
cannonade, thus commenced, continued all day. Shot and shell screamed from 
Orchard Knob to Missionary Ridge, and from Missionary Ridge to Orchard 
Knob, and from Wood’s redoubt, over the heads of Generals Grant and Thomas 
and their staffs, who were with us in this factable position, from whence the 
whole battle could be seen as in an amphitheatre. The headquarters were under 
fire all day long. 

Cannonading and musketry were heard from General Sherman, and General 
Howard marched the Eleventh Corps to join him. 

General Thomas sent out skirmishers, who drove in the rebel pickets and 
chased them into their intrencliments; and at the foot of Missionary Ridge 
Sherman made an assault against Bragg’s right, intrenched on a high knob 
next to that on which Sherman himself lay fortified. The assault was gallantly 
made. 


THE GBAND MOVEMENT BEGUN. 


241 


Sherman reached the edge of the crest, and held his ground for (it seemed 
to me) an hour, hut was bloodily repulsed by reserves.* 

A general advance was ordered, and a strong line of skirmishers followed 
by a deployed line of battle, some two miles in length. At the signal of leaden 
shots from headquarters on Orchard Knob, the line moved rapidly and orderly 
forward. The rebel pickets discharged their muskets and ran into their rifle- 
pits. Our skirmishers followed on their heels. 

The line of battle was not far behind, and we saw the gray rebels swarm 
out of the ledge line of rifle-pits and over the base of the hill in numbers which 
surprised us. A few turned and fired their pieces; but the greater number 
collected into the many roads which cross obliquely up its steep face, and went 
on to the top. 

Some regiments pressed on and swarmed up the steep sides of the ridge, 
and here and there a color was advanced beyond th<? lines. The attempt ap¬ 
peared most dangerous ; but the advance was supported, and the whole line 
was ordered to storm the heights, upon which not less than forty pieces of ar¬ 
tillery, and no one knew how many muskets, stood ready to slaughter the as¬ 
sailants. With cheers answering to cheers the men swarmed upwards. They 
gathered to the points least difficult of ascent, and the line was broken. Color 
after color was planted on the summit, while musket and cannon vomited their 
thunder upon them. 

A well-directed shot from Orchard Knob exploded a rebel caisson on the 
summit, and the gun was seen being speedily taken to the right, its driver 
lashing his horses. A party of our soldiers intercepted them, and the gun was 
captured with cheers. 

A fierce musketry fight broke out to the left, where, between Thomas and 
Sherman, a mile or two of the ridge was still occupied by the rebels. 

Bragg left the house in which he had held his headquarters, and rode to the 
rear as our troops crowded the hill on either side of him. 

General Grant proceeded to the summit , and then only did we know its 
height. 

Some of the captured artillery was put into position. Artillerists were sent 
for to work the guns, and caissons were searched for ammunition. 

The rebel log-breastworks were torn to pieces, and carried to the other side 
of the ridge, and used in forming barricades across. 

A strong line of infantry was formed in the rear of Baird’s line, and engaged 
in a musketry contest with the rebels to the left, and a secure lodgment was 
soon effected. 

The other assault, to the right of our centre, gained the summit, and the 
rebels threw down their arms and fled. 

Hooker, coming into favorable position, swept the right of the ridge, and 
captured many prisoners. 

Bragg’s remaining troops left early in the night, and the battle of Chattdr 


* As we have elsewhere stated, General Sherman denies this repulse. 

11 




242 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


nooga , after days of manoeuvring and fighting, was won. The strength of the 
rebellion in the centre is broken. Burnside is relieved from danger in East 
Tennessee. Kentucky and Tennessee are rescued. Georgia and the Southeast 
are threatened in the rear, and another victory is added to the charter 
op “ Unconditional Surrender Grant.” 

To-niglit, the estimate of captures is several thousand prisoners, and thirty 
pieces of artillery. 

Our loss, for so great a victory, is not severe. 

Bragg is firing the railroad as he retreats towards Dalton. Sherman is in 
hot pursuit. 

To-day I viewed the battle-field, which extends for six miles along Mission- 
- ary Ridge, and for several miles on Lookout Mountain. 

Probably not so well-directed, so well-ordered a battle, has taken place during 
the war. But one assault was repulsed; but that assault, by calling to that 
point the rebel reserves, prevented them repulsing any of the others. 

A few days since, Bragg sent to General Grant a flag of.truce, advising him 
that it would be prudent to remove any non-combatants who might be still in 
Chattanooga. No reply has been returned; but the combatants having ro- 
moved from the vicinity, it is probable that non-combatants can remain with¬ 
out imprudence. 

M. C. Meigs, Quartermaster-General. 




4 




BURNSIDE AT KNOXVILLE. 


243 


CHAPTER XXL 

BURNSIDE AT KNOXVILLE. 


His entrance into Knoxville—Fortifies the town—Advances to lure Long- 
street on.—Longstreet invests and attacks—Repulsed.—Re-enforgements 
from Grant.—Sherman comes up.—Grant’s order.—Summary of losses. 


We must now turn for a moment to Knoxville, besieged by 
the yet hopeful, but soon to be ill-starred, expedition of 
Longstreet. This place had been occupied by Burnside as 
early as the 2d of September, and Burnside was a locum tenens , 
holding over until Foster should relieve him. . 

On the 16th of August he had moved from Camp Nelson, in 
Kentucky, on a perilous march for East Tennessee, then held 
by the rebel General Buckner, whose headquarters were at 
Knoxville. Avoiding the gaps, which were in the enemy’s 
hands, Burnside marched across the mountains. On the 1st 
of September he was at Kingston, and on the 2d he entered 
Knoxville, amid the grateful cheers of the loyal people, who 
had been writhing under the oppression and cruelty of rebel 
rule. The enthusiasm was unbounded as the general rode in: 
he was regarded as a deliverer and a savior. On the 4tli, 
General Shackelford was dispatched northward to Cumber¬ 
land Gap, which, after a rapid and skilful march, he cap¬ 
tured on the 9th. 

Knoxville was at once strongly fortified by Burnside; and 
then, previous to Longstreet’s advance, he had moved south- 


244 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


ward by Grant’s orders to London, there to await and retard 
the rebel approach. 

This part of the rebel programme could not have been con¬ 
fided to a more competent officer than Longstreet, but he has 
since complained that he was sent without proper supplies, 
and was disappointed in the force with which he was expected 
to make the siege. The division of Stevenson, which had 
been sent to Loudon, and which he expected to take with him, 
was recalled. He still, however, largely outnumbered the 
small force under Burnside. 

At Loudon he was met by Burnside, and arrested in his 
march; and his cavalry, which he had sent by a detour to try 
and surprise Knoxville, was met and routed by ours, which 
had been skilfully posted for the purpose. In obedience to 
orders, the Federal general retreated slowly towards Knox¬ 
ville. Again Burnside turned to confront him at Campbell’s 
Station, and having repulsed his attack, withdrew at last 
within his fortifications at Knoxville. There he was sur¬ 
rounded by Longstreet, on the 17th and 18th of November ; 
and now the fate of Knoxville hung upon the movements at 
Chattanooga. Nothing was left for Burnside but to hold it to 
the last. His arrangements were well made. There was a 
fort on College Hill; one near Summit House; one on the 
right of the street leading from the square to the depot; two 
on Temperance Hill; and the heights on the south were forti¬ 
fied. Strong fines of rifle-pits connected the forts. 

LONGSTREET ATTACKS. 

/ 

At length, on the 28th of November, Longstreet having 
been informed of Bragg’s disaster and retreat, and knowing 
that Burnside would soon be re-enforced, made ready for an 
assault, which would either give him Knoxville, or—what was 
far more likely—serve to cover his retreat. The point chosen 
was Fort Sanders, on the northwest angle of our works, a fort 
standing just outside the town, and commanding an approach 
by the river. It was of the strongest profile, the ditch ten 


BURNSIDE AT KNOXVILLE. 


245 


feet deep, and the parapet unusually high. Around it, the 
thick pine-timber had been slashed, and it is said, a network 
of wire formed around the stumps, as an entanglement.* 

The assault was made in the most determined manner, at 
daylight on the 29th, by three brigades of McLaws’ division, 
and those of Wolford, Humphreys, Anderson, and Bryant. 
They moved in three lines; and some of them reached the 
outer slope, and even attempted to enter by the embrasures. 
The fort was occupied by the Seventy-ninth New York, the 
Twenty-ninth Massachusetts, two companies of the Second 
New York, and one of the Twentieth Michigan. Their guns w T ere 
double-shotted. Hand-grenades were poured upon the enemy. 
His assault had been clearly discerned by the novel use of 
Roman candles, in default of a Drummond light.t The fighting 
was more desperate than any known in the war. But the rebel 
efforts were vain ; and when they were finally repulsed, their 
dead and wounded lay in piles ten feet deep in the ditch. A 
gallant assault, most gallantly repulsed; and the failure left 
•no course for Longstreet but instant retreat. This, of course, 
had been his alternative, and he put it in practice without 
delay. 

RE-ENFORCEMENTS FROM GRANT. 

On the evening of November 25, as soon as Grant’s success 
at Chattanooga had been assured, he had directed Gordon 
Granger to move with his own (Fourth) corps, and detach¬ 
ments from others—twenty thousand in all—to the relief of 
Knoxville; and Sherman’s march to the railroad crossing of 
the Hiawassee was intended to protect Granger’s flank until he 
had crossed, and to prevent further re-enforcements of the 
enemy from being sent by that route into East Tennessee. 
Granger was to move with four days’ rations, a steamer follow- 


* Pollard, Third Year of the War, p. 162. 

f For the curious application of these signal-lights, by Lieutenant Herzog, 
of the Signal Corps, see an article in the October number (1865) of the United 
States Service Magazine. 




246 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


ing with more supplies. Elliott liad also been ordered to 
Knoxville, from Alexandria, with his cavalry division. 

To Grant’s astonishment, on his return from the front, on 
the 28th, he found that Granger had not started, and that he 
was preparing to move “ with reluctance and complaint.” As 
no investigation has been made, we are not “ wise above what 
is written,” but simply quote the words of Grant’s report. 

Sherman, ever ready, was at once directed to assume com¬ 
mand of Granger’s corps as well as his own troops, and pro¬ 
ceed to Knoxville without delay. Sherman was then at Cal¬ 
houn, at the railroad crossing of the Hiawassee. The relief 
was confided to the ablest hands. It was a toilsome march ; 
but Sherman was never tired, and always full of .alacrity. 

SHERMAN ENTERS KNOXVILLE. 

On the 3d of December, the day upon which Burnside had 
declared that his supplies would give out, Sherman’s cavalry 
entered Knoxville. The flank of Longstreet was thus turned, 
and although the siege had been already raised, Longstreet’s 
movements were greatly expedited. The rebel general retired 
hastily to Busselville and Bogersville. Sherman conferred 
with Burnside as to the necessary strength of a pursuing force. 
It was decided that the garrison, augmented by Granger’s 
corps, would be sufficient, and that the other forces might be 
at once withdrawn. • Burnside, in a letter dated December 7, 
expressed his “ hearty thanks and gratitude” to Sherman and 
his command, whose approach, he declared, “ served to raise 
the siege.” Leaving Granger’s corps behind, Sherman then 
took his own command back to Chattanooga. After all these 
events had transpired, Grant issued an order of congratulation, 
which we give in full, as indicating his sentiments, and as a 
specimen of his clear and excellent style : 

General Orders, No. 9. 

t 

Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, 

In the Field, Chattanooga, Tenn., Dec. 10, 1863. 

The general commanding takes this opportunity of returning his sincere 
thanks and congratulations to the brave Armies of the Cumberland, the Ohio. 



BURNSIDE AT KNOXVILLE. 


247 


the Tennessee, and their comrades from the Potomac, for the recent splendid 
and decisive successes achieved over the enemy. In a short time, you have 
recovered from him the control of the Tennessee River from Bridgeport to 
Knoxville. You dislodged him from his great stronghold upon Lookout 
Mountain ; drove him from Chattanooga Valley ; wrested from his deter¬ 
mined grasp the possession of Missionary Ridge ; repelled, with heavy loss to 
him, his repeated assaults upon Knoxville, forcing him to raise the siege there ; 
driving him at all points, utterly routed and discomfited, beyond the limits of 
the State. By your noble heroism and determined courage, you have most 
effectually defeated the plans of the enemy for regaining possession of the States 
of Kentucky and Tennessee. You have secured positions from which no rebel¬ 
lious power can drive or dislodge you. For all this, the general commanding 
thanks you, collectively and individually. The loyal people of the United 
States thank and bless you. Their hopes and prayers for your success against 
this unholy rebellion are with you daily. Their faith in you will not be in 
vain. Their hopes will not be blasted. Their prayers to Almighty Cod will 
be answered. You will yet go to other fields of strife ; and with the invincible 
bravery and unflinching loyalty to justice and right which have cnaracterized 
you in the past, you will prove that no enemy can withstand you, and that no 
defences, however formidable, can check your onward march. 

By order of 

Major-General U. S. Grant. 

T. S. Bowers, A. A. G. 

In a summary of the entire campaign, General Grant states 
our losses to have been seven hundred and fifty-seven killed ; 
four thousand five hundred and twenty-nine wounded; and 
three hundred and thirty missing. The captures have been 
already stated. 

The failure at Chattanooga cost General Bragg his com¬ 
mand. He was relieved, “ at his own request,” on the 2d of 
December, and the conduct of the army given to Hardee, who 
knew his own unfitness, and -would only accept it temporarily. 
Grant expressed his satisfaction with the change : it made his 
task the easier. A few words will enable us to take leave of 
Bragg. He was “ charged,” very vaguely, “ with the conduct 
of the military operations of the armies of the Confederacy,” 
—which means every thing, or nothing,—and turned up at 
the last as commander in North Carolina, when Fort Fisher 
fell. 


248 


GRANT AND PIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


CHAPTER XXII. 

GREAT JOY IN THE LAND. 

The President’s proclamation.—Public honors.—The gold medal.— A lieu¬ 
tenant-general proposed.—Societies.— Namesakes.—New labors.—Visits 
Cumberland Gap.—At Nashville.— To Chattanooga.—Visits St. Louis.— 
The banquet.—Thanks of the city. 


The news of the great victory at Chattanooga, followed by 
the intelligence of the signal defeat of Longstreet, carried 
great rejoicing into the loyal States. Again there were illu¬ 
minations and salutes. The faith of the wavering was con¬ 
firmed ; patriot hearts were reassured ; the people of the 
South began to lose hope of the issue ; and the cause of the 
rebellion fell rapidly in the opinion of political speculators, 
both at home and abroad. The President of the United 
States, with a devout heart, issued, on the 7tli of December, a 
proclamation, recommending to all loyal people to assemble in 
their places of worship, and thank God “ for this great ad¬ 
vancement to the national cause.” 

He also sent another of liis sententious and expressive dis¬ 
patches to Grant, who embodied it in orders, and caused it to 
be read by the adjutants to all the regiments in his army. It 
was as follows : 

Washington, December 8, 18C3. 

Major-General Grant: 

Understanding that your lodgment at Chattanooga and Knoxville is now 
secure, I wish to tender you, and all under your command, my more than 
thanks—my profoundest gratitude—for the skill, courage, and perseverance 
with which you and they, over so great difficulties, have effected that important 
object. God bless you all 1 A. Lincoln. 


GREAT JOY IN THE LAND. 


249 


PUBLIC HONORS. 

The Congress of the United States, which was just begin¬ 
ning its session, was not slow in expressing its apprecia¬ 
tion of his distinguished services. A joint resolution, intro¬ 
duced into the lower house by his Mend, Mr. Washburne, of 
Illinois, expressed the thanks of the Congress, and presented 
him a gold medal. It was put upon the military record by a 
general order of the War Department, dated December 21, 
18G3, and is couched in the following words : 

General Orders, No. 898. 

Joint resolution of thank & to Major- General Ulysses S. Grant and the officers and sol¬ 
diers who have fought under his command during this rebellion ; and providing tha 
the President of the United States shall cause a medal to be struck , to be presented 
to Major-General Grant in the name of the.people of the United States of America. 

Be it resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States 

of America, in Congress assembled, That the thanks of Congress he, and they 

0 

hereby are, presented to Major-General Ulysses S. Grant, and through him to 
the officers and soldiers who have fought under his command during this 
rebellion, for their gallantry and good conduct in the battles in which they 
have been engaged ; and that the President of the United States be requested 
to cause a gold medal to be struck, with suitable emblems, devices, and inscrip¬ 
tions, to be presented to Major-General Grant.* 

Sec. 2. And be it further resolved, That, when the said medal shall have 
been struck, the President shall cause a copy of this joint resolution to be en¬ 
grossed on parchment, and shall transmit the same, together with the said 
medal, to Major-General Grant, to be presented to him in the name of the 
people of the United States of America. 

Sec. 8. And be it further resolved, That a sufficient sum of money to carry 
this resolution into effect is hereby appropriated out of any money in the Treas" 
ury not otherwise appropriated. 

Schuyler Colfax, 

Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

H. Hamlin, 

Vice-President of the United States and President of the Senate. 
Approved, December 17,1803 : Abraham Lincoln. 

. -.- ■ ■ - ——-- ■ —v ~ ' ~ 

* On one side was the profile of Grant, surrounded by a wreath of laurels, 
with his name, the year 1803, and a galaxy of stars. On the reverse, a figure 
of Fame, with a trump and a scroll bearing the names of his victories. The 

motto was : “ Proclaim Liberty throughout the Land.” 

11 * 




250 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Another resolution was offered, but did not then pass, to 
revive the grade of lieutenant-general. To the many, a lieu¬ 
tenant-general was a cumbrous Grand Lama to be enshrined 
at Washington, and Grant was absolutely needed in the field. 
To others, it seemed that we had military rank and titles 
enough; it was dangerous to increase them ; and, besides, the 
rebellion was going to be crushed: it was no matter when, or 
by whom. Such counsellors have given rise to the charge 
that republics are ungrateful. Republics, governed by such 
men, are so. But if honor to Grant had been put to the 
popular vote, there was no limit to the tributes they would 
have poured at his feet. 

Learned, religious, temperance societies elected him honor¬ 
ary or life member. Segars, revolvers, and gifts of various 
kinds were showered upon him. To none of which does he 
revert with so much pleasure as to a brier-wood segar-case, 
made with a pocket-knife by a poor soldier, and presented to 
him with feelings of veneration and regard, but with no desire 
for any return. The Legislatures of Ohio and New York* 
voted him thanks. Mothers called their children after him, 
and a large generation of little U. S.’s and Grants date their 
birthdays at this time. Every voice was heard in his praise, 
except that of an occasional blind adherent of some displaced 
general, or those whom he had the moral courage to treat ac¬ 
cording to their ill-deservings, and who had the good sense to 
speak only in whispers and innuendos. He was already the 
most famous man in America, the man to whom all looked as 
the one who should lead us through the storms of war to the 
quiet haven of a lasting peace. This was the prophecy; the 
fulfilment was to be speedy. 


* “ Resolved, That tlie thanks of the people of this State he tendered to 
General Grant and his army for their glorious victories in the Valley of the 
Mississippi, and the still more glorious victory of Missionary Ridge and Lookout 
Mountain, and that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to General 
Grant.” 




GREAT JOY IN THE LAND. 


251 


NEW LABORS. 

As soon as order was restored in liis front, and a proper 
organization given to liis forces, General Grant set to work to 
acquaint liimself with the needs and interests of his vast 
military division. 

His laurels were not lotus flowers, but were the growth 

“ Of those immortal plants that bloom 
Upon Olympus, making us immortal; 

* * * * * 

And make the mind prolific in its fancies.” 

Pie forwarded to Washington well-digested plans for the 
prosecution of the war in the Southwest; and such was the 
high opinion now entertained of his military capacity and ad¬ 
ministrative ability, that a joint resolution was offered in the 
United States Senate, on the 7th of January, 1864, requesting 
the President to call out a million of volunteers for ninetv 

•j 

days; and also, that he would assign General Grant to the 
command. 

At this time, General Grant made several tours of inspec¬ 
tion. He visited Knoxville, and finding the rebel cavalry 
were attacking his outposts, he increased the commands from 
his now otherwise temporarily unoccupied troops. 

VISITS CUMBERLAND GAP. 

■* 

In order to satisfy himself of the character of Cumberland 
Gap, which had been won and lost several times, he made a 
mountain journey from Knoxville to Louisville, in the severest 
days of winter, on horseback, the precipitous roads being so 
sheeted with ice as to make the travelling very perilous. The 
most dangerous portions of the route lie was obliged to walk 
over. Thus he passed through the Gap to Barbersville, and 
thence through Loudon and Lexington. “ Hail to the Chief” 
—both air and words—greeted him at every stopping-place , 
but nowhere could lie be prevailed upon to make a speech. 


252 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


On this point lie seems inexorable ; but, let us say, in passing, 
that this is no affected reticence : it springs from .real diffi¬ 
dence. His embarrassment would be so great, that he dare 
not trust himself to make a speech. What thus springs from 
necessity, has, however, been as greatly in his favor as if it 
had been dictated by policy and worldly wisdom. His busi¬ 
ness has been action. Duty has never called upon him to 
speak; and so no unfortunate extempores to satisfy a mob 
can be quoted against him. 

At Nashville, his greatest concern was to open regular com¬ 
munication to Chattanooga, which was by no means yet over¬ 
burdened with supplies. He arrived at Louisville on the 
11th of January, and on the 12tli the communications were 
fully opened, and a large quantity of stores poured into 
Chattanooga, in readiness for the future movements of Sher¬ 
man. 

On the 13th of January, he was again at Nashville, and 
immediately returned to Chattanooga. 

Of course, the brilliant points in Grant’s career are found 
in his splendid strategy and masterly battle-attacks, but a 
study of his life in these lulls hi the storm of war really dis¬ 
plays his character to equal advantage. His treatment of 
deserters, who were now coming in great numbers, is worthy 
of our observation. 

It was just, prudent, and humane. Upon them taking an 
oath, which he prescribed, they were disarmed, fed, and pro¬ 
vided with free passes on all military railroads and govern¬ 
ment steamboats to their own homes. Many were employed 
in the quartermaster and engineer departments, at fair wages ; 
and to avoid the danger of their recapture, they were ex¬ 
empted from military service in our army. (General Order, 
December 12, 1863.) 

Our space will not permit us to reproduce the judicious 
orders issued at this period. His former experience as a 
quartermaster was now brought into requisition, in the con¬ 
trol of that department, within the limits of his vast command, 
and the legislation with regard to the seizure of rebel prop- 


GREAT JOY IN THE LAND. 


253 


erty was carried out by him in a prompt and skilful, but 
always just and humane manner. 

VISIT TO ST. LOUIS. 

On the 26tli of January, 1864, General Grant was at St. 
Louis, whither he had gone only on account of the dangerous 
illness of his eldest child. But the crisis of the illness 
had already passed when he arrived, and the announcement 
of his presence at his old home was the signal for festive 
demonstrations and new honors. Everybody was anxious to 
catch a glimpse of the man who had opened their grand river 
to the sea; and who had, if possible, rendered the glories of 
Vicksburg dim, by the lightning flashes of Chattanooga. He 
had come unheralded, and had registered his name on the 
hotel-book as U. S. Grant, Chattanooga. The news fled like 
wild-fire over the city, and the next day an invitation was 
sent him to a public dinner, offered by the citizens of St. 
Louis, represented by a large number of the principal gentle¬ 
men. 

He accepted the invitation, and Friday, the 29tli, was ap¬ 
pointed for the banquet. He spent the 27th in visiting the 
university, in talking with his old friends, and in attending 
theatre, and devoted the two following days to his family. 

The evening of the 29tli was a proud occasion for Grant 
and for St. Louis. To many of the people he had been for¬ 
merly known as a private citizen of moderate station, engaged 
in industrial pursuits; but now the prophet was receiving un¬ 
solicited honors in his own country and his own home. Or 
rather, he had fulfilled, without prophesying ; and the people 
of St. Louis owed to him a debt which they could never repay, 
but only gratefully acknowledge. It was no stinted or ex¬ 
torted tribute of gratitude and admiration; the enthusiasm 
was intense. 

“ The observed of all observers,” he sat among two hundred 
guests at the table of the Lindell Hotel, receiving the applause 
and admiration of ail with great modesty and evident em- 


254 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


barrassment. Around him were several distinguished generals, 
and his father-in-law, Mr. F. Dent. The toast of the evening 
was, “ Our distinguished guest, Major-General Grant,” fol¬ 
lowed by a burst from the band of the well-known air, “ Flail 
to the Chief.” Grant rose, amidst the tumultuous cheering of 
the guests, but he could not reply. Ilis words were, “ Gentle¬ 
men, in response, it will be impossible to do more than thank 
you.” 

That same day, the Common Council of St. Louis had pre¬ 
sented its thanks in behalf of the city ;* and that night, after 
the dinner, he was serenaded, but again said but few words, 
declining to speak. 

Ford says, in his “ Handbook of Spain,” that the best 
weapon for passing through the mountains, beset with ban¬ 
ditti, is a segar-case tilled with good Havanas. Now we do 
not mean to compare our people to Spanish contrabandistas; 
but Grant acts upon that principle, slightly varied in its 
application. On this occasion, as on others since, he satisfied 
the crowd by taking a segar from his pocket, fighting it, and 
puffing the smoke in their presence. 

The invariable segar has thus done him good service on 
many occasions. The pantomime of lighting it is cheered in 
lieu of a speech. 


* Council Chamber, City of St. Louis, 
January 29, 1864. 

Whereas, Major-General U. S. Grant has, since our last meeting, suddenly 
and unexpectedly arrived among us, and the opportunity not having pre¬ 
sented itself whereby the city authorities and this body could testify their great 
esteem, regard, and indebtedness due his modest, unswerving energies, swayed 
neither by the mighty successes which have crowned his genius and efforts in 
behalf of the Government, nor the machinations of ‘politicians—evidences of the 
true patriot and soldier ; therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the thanks of the Common Council of the City of St. Louis 
are eminently due, and are hereby respectfully tendered to Major-General U. 
S. Grant, in behalf of the City of St. Louis. * 

Resolved, That his honor the mayor be respectfully requested to give his 
official approval to this preamble and resolution, and cause the seal of the city 
to be affixed, and the same presented to Major-General U. S. Grant. 



ELSEWHERE IN THE FIELD. 


255 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

ELSEWHERE IN THE FIELD. 


Tiie Mississippi.—Banks.—Steele.—Rosecrans.—Our force compared with the 
rebels.—Sherman’s expedition to Meridian.—Thomas moves upon Dalton. 
—Seymour at Olustee.—One head needed.— No political aspirations. 


It becomes us now to take a rapid glance at the general 
situation of affairs in otlier parts of the theatre of war. The 
Mississippi River had been fortified in numerous positions 
with heavy guns, and garrisoned principally by negro troops, 
from Cairo to Ports St. Philip and Jackson, below New 
Orleans. General Banks had his headquarters in New 
Orleans, and had detachments at Brashear City and Browns¬ 
ville. General Steele had a considerable army at Little Rock, 
Arkansas, and General Rosecrans commanded the Depart¬ 
ment of the Missouri. We had eight hundred thousand men 
in the field, and to oppose these the rebels, now everywhere 
acting on the defensive, numbered half that force. The com¬ 
mand of Lee, including Longstreet, and the troops in West 
Virginia and North Carolina, was a hundred and twelve 
thousand strong. The army which Grant had beaten at 
Chattanooga had been confided to General Johnston, and was 
upwards of fifty thousand strong. This included the garrison 
of Mobile, and the force with which Bishop Polk encountered 
Sherman’s march to Meridian. 


256 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


SHERMAN’S EXPEDITIONS. 

We must recur for a moment to Sherman. After he had 
given relief to Knoxville his troops were returned to Chatta¬ 
nooga, and then stationed from Scottsboro', Alabama, along 
the Memphis [Railroad to Huntsville. Towards the end of 
January, Sherman was ordered to Vicksburg, to command an 
expedition to the southeast. He moved from Vicksburg with 
McPherson’s (Seventeenth) corps, in light marching order, to 
Morton, and thence to Meridian. He had collected a large 
cavalry force at Memphis, which was to start on the 1st of 
February, and join him at Meridian. Met, but not impeded, 
by the enemy, who were easily driven away from Champion 
Hill, Clinton, and Jackson, he moved forward to Meridian. 
Hurlbut had followed in rear of McPherson with the Six¬ 
teenth Corps, and the two corps had united at Jackson and 
marched together. The advance of this movable column 
into the enemy’s country promised great results. Mobile 
was in terror, and a pathway to the Gulf seemed open, but it 
was all shipwrecked by a want of co-operation on the part of 
the cavalry. General W. S. Smith was to have started on 
the 1st of February, but did not until the 11th, and the rebel 
General Polk was rapidly collecting his forces with a good 
proportion of cavalry, which could only be met by cavalry ; 
and ours failed to appear. The great railway centre of Meri¬ 
dian was destro} r ed, with the track running to Quitman, to 
Lauderdale Springs, and to Cuba Station. On the 25th of 
February, General Sherman returned to Vicksburg. 

In front of Charleston, the condition of affairs remained 
unchanged. An expedition made by General Thomas, under 
Grant’s order from Chattanooga, upon Dalton, was abandoned 
without results. 

Foster had relieved Burnside in the command at Knoxville 
immediately after the siege was raised, but did not long retain 
the command. Schofield, who had relieved General Foster, 
had moved upon Longstreet, and reconnoitred his position. 


ELSEWHERE IN THE FIELD. 


v 


257 


On tlie 20th of February, General Seymour, in command in 
Florida, had met with a serious reverse at Olustee. 

The army of the Potomac, under General Meade, was posted 
near Culpepper Courthouse from December, 1863, to May, 
1864; and although cavalry reconnoissances were constantly 
made, and skirmishes were the order of the day, no great 
movements were undertaken within these periods by that 
army. 

Such was, very briefly, the condition of affairs ;—a military 
labyrinth, requiring one head to control, and one initiated 
mind to thread out, its intricate combinations. As the need 
became manifest, all eyes turned to Grant, and, by the unani¬ 
mous consent of Government and people, he was exalted to the 
perilous and responsible position. A new grade of lieutenant- 
general was created for him, and with it a new labor, which, 
like those of Hercules, carried with it increased difficulty of 
achievement. 

There were many who, carried away by enthusiasm, were 
disposed to offer him as a candidate for the presidency. But 
the most thoughtful preferred his services in the field; and he 
himself discountenanced such approaches, feeling that his great 
mission was to finish the war, and having in this so magnifi¬ 
cent a scope for a patriot’s ambition, that he would rather 
lose than gain by political preferment. We are reminded of 
the opinion expressed by Paul Louis Courier, concerning Na¬ 
poleon’s desire to be emperor : “ Etre Bonaparte est se faire, 
sire ; il aspire a descendre.” So, had Grant, with the weight 
and the glories of the giant campaign before him, been be¬ 
guiled by visions of the White House and the presidency, he 
would have aspired to descend. But he did not. 

Foiling the politicians that approached him with a pleasantry, 
he declared that when the war was over he would offer himself 
as a candidate to be mayor of Galena, and, if elected, would 
have the sidewalk put in order between his house and the 
depot. He has not had a single political thought during his 
career. 


258 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


CHAPTER XXIV. 

# 

THE LIEUTENANT-GENERAL—RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT. 


Grant Lieutenant-General.—Arrives at Washington.—Recognized at Wil¬ 
lard’s.—Commission presented.—President’s address.—Grant’s replt.— Re¬ 
vival OF THE GRADE. — WASHINGTON, SCOTT, AND GrANT.-^-ThE NEW LAW.— 

Grant’s personal appearance.—The honor unsolicited.—The country needs 
him.—What he had done to earn it.—Prospect of responsibility and danger. 
—Will he succeed ?—Unrivalled glory. 

On the 2d of March, 1864, Grant was confirmed by the 
United States Senate, in executive session, as Lieutenant- 
General in the Army of the United States. This put him 
over all our other generals, but did not, without a special 
order, make him commander-in-chief of our armies. 

At five o’clock on the afternoon of Tuesday, the 8th, he 
arrived in Washington to receive his commission. He seated 
himself, unnoticed, at the dinner-table of Willard’s Hotel; 
but being discovered by a gentleman who had seen him in 
New-Orleans—for his face was not even then familiar to 
Washington people—he was brought to his feet by the cry 
that “ the hero of Vicksburg was in the room,” and by a 
storm of cheers which might well bewilder so modest a man. 
In the evening he attended the President’s levee, where he 
was the observed of all observers. 

On the afternoon of the 9th, at one o’clock, he was received 
by the President in the cabinet chamber, and was presented 
with the commission. In any one of the old European mon¬ 
archies, the presentation would have been made among the 
grandest surroundings. In ancient Rome, it would have been 
inaugurated by a triumph like that in which Titus joined his 
father after the famous capture of Jerusalem. 


RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT. 


259 


But tlie scene was more in keeping witli our republican 
manners and the still undecided issues of the war. It was no 
time for pageants : there was no brilliant gathering, no splen¬ 
did staff. There were the President and his entire cabinet; 
General Halleck, the retiring commander-in-chief; General 
Bawlins, Grant’s chief of staff; Colonel Comstock, his chief 
engineer ; Mr. Nicolay, the President’s private secretary ; and 
the Honorable Owen Lovejoy, of Illinois. It was eminently 
proper that one other person should be present, and that was 
the general’s eldest son, a fine boy of fourteen, the inheritor 
of his father’s glory, and who, with such an example and such 
training, may well be incited to a fife of usefulness, and per¬ 
haps fame. 

When General Grant entered the executive chamber he 
was cordially received by the President, and presented to the 
cabinet. Mr. Lincoln then addressed him in the following 
words : 

“ General Grant —The nation’s appreciation of what you 
have done, and its reliance upon you for what remains to be 
done in the existing great struggle, are now presented with 
this commission, constituting you Lieutenant-General in the 
Army of the United States. With this high honor devolves 
upon you also a corresponding responsibility. As the coun¬ 
try herein trusts you, so, under God, it will sustain you. I 
scarcely need to add, that, with what I here speak for the 
nation, goes my own hearty personal concurrence.” 

General Grant, whose disinclination to make a speech has 
been already referred to, then read from a slip of paper the 
following words, which have a peculiar significance in the 
light of the great events which have since transpired : 


Mr. President —I accept the commission, with gratitude 
for the high honor conferred. With the aid of the noble 
armies that have fought on so many fields for our common 


260 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


country, it will be my earnest endeavor not to disappoint your 
expectations. I feel the full weight of the responsibilities 
now devolving on me; and I know that if they are met, it will 
be due to those armies, and, above all, to the favor of that 
Providence which leads both nations and men.” 

Introductions followed. Half an hour was spent in conver¬ 
sation with the secretaries, and this simple but important in¬ 
terview was ended. 

, Making a rapid visit with General Meade to the Army of 
the Potomac on the 10th, he started on the morning of the 
11th for the "West; and on the 10th, a special order of the 
President assigned the new Lieutenant-General to the com¬ 
mand of all the armies. 

And here we may pause for a moment to consider what ah 
this signified. 

THE NEW GRADE. 

The revival of this rank of lieutenant-general recahs to us 
the circumstances under which it had been before conferred 
in America, and which marked two important periods in our 
history. In 1798, incident to the threatening aspect of our 
relations with Prance, the Congress had conferred it upon 
Washington, who, in the next year, had he lived, would have 
been a full general, the only sensible and logical rank which 
a commander-in-chief should hold. Upon Washington’s 
death, the rank was discontinued. 

In the long years from February, 1849, to December, 1.852, 
earnest efforts were made to confer this grade, by brevet, on 
General Winfield Scott, for his long and illustrious services to 
the country ; but his enemies were ingenious and malignant, 
and among them the most pertinacious was the then Honorable 
Jefferson Davis. 

These two great men were the only predecessors of Grant, 
for whom the full rank was now revived. 

The bill reviving it was introduced into the lower House 


RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT. 


261 


by Grant’s constant friend, tlie Honorable Mr. Wasliburne, 
and being referred to the Military Committee, was slightly 
amended, and finally presented to the House in the following 
form: 

“ Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of America , in Congress assembled , That the 
grade of lieutenant-general be, and the same is hereby, re¬ 
vived in the Army of the United States of America ; and the 
President is hereby authorized, whenever he shall deem it ex¬ 
pedient, to appoint, by and with the advice and consent of 
the Senate, a commander of the army, to be selected during 
war, from among those officers in the military service of the 
United States, not below the grade of major-general, most 
distinguished for courage, skill, and ability; and who, being 
commissioned as lieutenant-general, shall be authorized , under 
the direction of the President , to command the armies of the 
United States. 

“ Sec. 2. And be it further enacted , That the lieutenant- 
general appointed as is hereinbefore provided, shall be en¬ 
titled to the pay, allowances, and staff specified in the fifth 
section of the act approved May 28, 1798 ; and also the al¬ 
lowances described in the sixth section of the act approved 
August 23, 1842, granting additional rations to certain of¬ 
ficers ; Provided , That nothing in this bill contained shall 
be construed in any way to affect the rank, pay, or allowances 
of Winfield Scott, Lieutenant-General by brevet, now on the 
retired list of the army.” 

To this, while in the course of debate, Mr. Ross offered an 
amendment recommending General Grant for the original 
vacancy. Mr. Washburne’s speech in favor of the amended 
bill is a masterly and eloquent exposition of the services of 
General Grant, and his high eulogium has been vindicated in 
detail by the after history. The opposition was very small; 
a triumphant majority of one hundred and seventeen to nine¬ 
teen votes sent it to the Senate, who confirmed it, and on the 


262 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


1st of March, the President approved the bill, and nominated 
Grant. On the 2d, as we have said, the Senate, in executive 
session, confirmed him. Let us add that the country, with 
one voice, hailed and sanctioned the appointment, the most 
important ever made in America. 

Perhaps we could select no better time to give some de¬ 
lineations of the presence and person of the general thus 
honored. 


PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS. 

He was not quite forty-three years of age, of medium 
height, and strong, well-knit frame. His appearance, at first 
sight, is not striking. Careless of dress, and with no grandeur 
of air or imposing carriage, he would not attract a casual 
observer in a crowd ; but a study of his face while conversing 
with him would satisfy a physiognomist, even without a 
knowledge of his history, that he is no ordinary man. His 
hair is full, brown, worn short, parted at the side over a full 
forehead, slightly prominent, but not protuberant at the 
brows. He has a good nose, relieved from the elegant weak¬ 
ness of the Grecian by a slight curve; blue eyes, sad, but 
neither dreamy nor stupid, which dilate into bold expression 
in times of action and danger; a firm, evenly closed mouth, 
which would express more if free from beard; a beard of red¬ 
dish brown, cut close, evidently for comfort, and for that 
readiness of action with which the razor interferes; and a 
square, but not projecting, jaw and chin. The face, in spite 
of former critics, tells to my mind its own story fully. I see 
in it will, energy, a sense of responsibility, reticence, and 
entire self-control. If any have doubted it, let them study 
the best photographs again, and they will be convinced. 

To pass from his physiognomy to his character. He is a 
man of irreproachable life and habits; pure, humane, and 
generous. His everlasting segar deserves a place in history, 
for it is a part of the man; he is never without it, and his 
segars are very strong. But excess in tobacco depends upon 


RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT. 


263 


the constitution, and it evidently suits Grant. He is entirely 
without ostentation in his house and table; and his able staff 
is kept for use, and not show. 

In many of his orders and dispatches he has devoutly rec¬ 
ognized the providence of God, and his reliance upon it, as 
being the chief strength of nations and men; and if he ever 
swears, the religious world may be certified that his oaths are 
in the same category with those of my Uncle Toby and of 
Washington at Monmouth. He is phlegmatic, but not insen¬ 
sible ; cool, but not without enthusiasm; habitually grave, 
with a simple dignity, but easily approachable by all, even to 
the poorest private; in speech, laconic, but unaffected; no 
official non-committal about him; clear-headed, forgetting 
nothing, arranging details easily in his capacious brain, with¬ 
out much reliance upon red tape ; blushing when praised, and 
bearing both praise and blame with silent magnanimity. 
Above all, he combines what Guizot has called the “ genius of 
common sense” with a determination to “ go ahead.” 

Such, in brief, was the man who had made himself a model 
hero for the American people; such the man who had come 
to Washington, on his own merits, but not by his own solici¬ 
tation, to be made lieutenant-general and commander-in-chief. 
In the words of Mr. Wasliburne, “No man with his consent has 
ever mentioned his name in connection with any 'position. I say 
what I know to be true, when I allege that every promotion 
he has received since he first entered the service to put down 
this rebellion, was moved without his knowledge or consent. 
And in regard to this very matter of lieutenant-general, after 
the hill ivas introduced , and his name mentioned in connection there¬ 
with, he wrote me and admonished me that he had heen highly 
honored already by the Government , and did not ash or deserve 
any thing more in the shape of honors or promotion; and that a 
success over the enemy was what he craved above every thing else ; 
that he only desired to hold such an influence over those under his 
command as to use them to the best advantage to secure that end.” 
But the country had need of him; the Government could not do 
without him, and so they saved themselves by honoring Grant. 


264 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


And here, while he stands in onr narrative at the parting of 
the ways, let ns briefly advert to the retrospect, and then 
glance at the prospect before him. 

RETROSPECT. 

First, let us see what he had done to make himself, in vio¬ 
lation of the maxim of the French philosopher,* a necessary 
man to the American people. From the day of his second 
entry into the service as a colonel of volunteers, he had been 
continually in the field, and not sunning his uniform in the 
streets of our great cities. He had been constantly enlarging 
his sphere of action. His name became speedily known to 
the country, and the laconic philosophy of his dispatches 
gave the people something to take hold of and ring the 
chimes upon; some undesignedly eloquent epigram of each 
great victory. At Fort Donelson, the “unconditional sur¬ 
render” which he demanded gave a new significance to the 
initial letters of his name. “ I propose to move immediately 
upon your works,” struck a popular chord. Hard pressed at 
Pittsburg Landing, he told Sherman a characteristic story oil 
the field, illustrating the secret of victory, and ordered him to 
assume the offensive. 

After the great campaign which concluded with the capture 
of Vicksburg, he received from President Linc.oln an auto¬ 
graph letter, magnanimously confessing that he had not been 
in favor of the plan of the campaign, and ending thus: “I 
now wish to make a personal acknowledgment, that you were 
right and I was wrong.” He had opened the Mississippi 
from the head-waters to the mud-islands of the Delta. 

In really serious straits at Chattanooga, his animals dying 
by thousands, and his men in danger of starving—not, how¬ 
ever, by any fault of his own, for he only assumed command 
to find the situation such—he had received Bragg’s merciful 
message to remove the non-combatants, and had heard 


* La Rochefoucauld says: “ H n’y a pas d’homme necessaire.” 



RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT. 


265 


Bragg’s characteristic boast that in three days’ time Grant’s 
army would be flying in hungry disorder to Nashville ; where¬ 
as, in three days’ time, Bragg’s disordered hosts, flanked and 
beaten in front, were flying southward before Grant’s attack. 

He had asked for nothing from the Government; had re¬ 
fused to make capital by making speeches; would not be ap¬ 
proached on political questions; escaped, except when cor¬ 
nered, from public demonstrations, public dinners, and the 
like; and now the young man, unknown to the public four 
years before—wood-dealer, collector, farmer, leather-dealer, 
and yet always an honest man and a gentleman—had come 
to Washington to receive his reward, the very greatest to 
which an American had ever attained. 

PROSPECT. 

But it w T as something far more and far different. We have 
glanced at the retrospect: let us look for a moment at the 
nature of the prospect—not simply, as before, one of partial 
trial and danger and glory, but of a sole and crushing respon¬ 
sibility. As his hand grasped the glittering wreath, it turned 
magically into a flaming sword, and a voice, like apocalyptic 
thunders, cried “ Onward!” The stars shone, indeed, but 
only to disclose dimly in the darkness new dangers, new 
struggles, vigils never intermitted; and it was a very bold 
man indeed—one of sleepless soul, indomitable courage, and 
undying patriotism, who, amid the roaring Red Sea of battle, 
the breakers of official dictation, the misapprehension of pro¬ 
found plans by an impatient and impressible public, who saw 
only the surface, and last, but not least, the Syrtis Major of 
politics—could assume such a charge at such a time, even with 
all its honors. Would he flutter and flounder and fall, like 
the historical dignitaries of other days, and like the many ex¬ 
perimental generals of our own times, who were tasked above 
their powers, and failed miserably? Or would he succeed 
completely, and achieve a colossal, an unrivalled fame ? 

Surely, in the latter case, would be applicable to him the 

12 


266 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


words uttered by tlie eloquent Tully to the clement Ctesar, in 
which he declares, that in the praise then accorded, the great 
general has neither rival nor sharers; it is beyond the power 
of cohort, centurion, or prefect.* He stands alone. 


* “ At vero hujus gloriae, C. Caesar, quam es paulo ante adeptus, socium 
liabes neminem: totum hoc quantumcumque est, quod certe maximum est, 
totum est, inquam, tuum. Nihil ex ista laude centurio, nihil praefectus, nihil 
cohors, nihil turma decerpit.”— Orat. pro M. Marcello, ii. 7. 


t * 





V 3 1 




t ^ 


% 
' i 


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267 


THE CONDUCT OF THE WAR. 

% 


CHAPTEE XXY. 

THE CONDUCT OF THE WAR. 

Grant’s convictions.—Evils to be remedied.—The new plan.—The great the¬ 
atre— Ilow occupied.—The rebel armies.—Lee and Johnston.—Our opposing 
armies.—Banks in Virginia.—Directions to General Butler.—Sigel’s in¬ 
structions. 


Before proceeding to follow the personal movements of 
Lieutenant-General Grant, as he accompanied the Army of 
the Potomac, shared its fortunes, and generally directed its 
movements, let us now pause for a moment to glance at the 
whole field, and present a summary of his plans and purposes 
as the director and supervisor of all the campaigns. His clear 
and capacious mind had been silently at work on the great 
problem, before his appointment as general-in-cliief. He had 
long been impressed with the idea that the operations must 
be continuous and unremitting, without regard to weather, 
season, or climate. 

We had an active, brave, and desperate enemy. The 
absolute despotism of the Confederate government enabled it 
to bring into the service every man and boy capable of bear¬ 
ing arms ; and if the enemy was inferior in numbers and in 
resources, that was more than counterbalanced by manifest 
advantages. He was able to move always upon interior lines, 
and stood upon a general defensive, which he could easily 
turn into an offensive. He could transport troops with ease, 
in order to mass the same bodies, at different times, against 
our separate armies. Seeking the strong points, he could 
abandon territory at pleasure, without losing in a military 


2C3 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 

t 

point of view. While our armies were resting or inactive, by 
reason of weather and roads, lie could furlough a portion of 
every force, to plant crops or provide supplies, calling them 
together, as soon as threatened, to resist our new advance. 
Those who were unfit to take the field, were employed in 
general preparations, and as provosts in collecting and return¬ 
ing deserters. 

On the other hand, we had a very large territory to hold 
and garrison, surrounded by a hostile population ; extensive 
communications by land and water to protect; and increased 
difficulty in providing supplies, the further we advanced. Inde¬ 
pendent action of our armies, at the East and West, had been 
productive of great evil. As in a baulky team, the “ pull all 
together” was wanting ; and it had frequently happened that 
a victory in the East was partially neutralized by disasters 
at the West, and vice versa. All this Grant had seen and 
deplored. 

grant’s TURPOSE. 

The plans of the lieutenant-general may be thus epitomized. 
Starting with the postulate that the sole object confided to 
him was to destroy the military power of the rebellion, and feel¬ 
ing sure that, this done, its whole power, fits life indeed, would 
be destroyed, Grant proposed— First: To counterpoise the 
enemy’s interior advantages, by engaging him at all important 
points at once and continuously, that he might not shift his 
troops as before, without exposing weak points where he 
would readily be beaten. Second: To make unrelenting war 
against his main armies. Beat them if possible ; but if that 
could not be done at once, wear them out by constant shocks 
and constant attrition. In the latter case, he saw that force 
of numbers alone would, in the end, produce the desired result. 
He depended greatly, also, and not without reason, upon the 
valor and skill of our armies ; and the country dejDended, with 
entire confidence, upon him. 


THE CONDUCT OF THE WAR. 


269 


THE GREAT THEATRE. 

Let ns now cast a glance on the condition of affairs in the 
vast theatre, and the positions of our forces, when he assumed 
command of the whole. 

I. The seacoast was almost entirely blockaded by our navy, 
and the foreign resources of the rebels reduced almost to zero. 
We had footholds at many points. Plymouth, Washington, 
and Newbern, in North Carolina, had Union garrisons. We 
were in possession of Beaufort, Folly Island, Morris Island, 
Hilton Head, Port Loyal, in‘South Carolina ; Fort Pulaski, in 
Georgia ; Fernandina, St. Augustine, Key West, and Pensa¬ 
cola, in Florida ; New Orleans, with its river approaches, in 
Louisiana ; and a small garrison at the mouth of the Bio 
Grande. 

II. The Mississippi Biver, thanks to Grant and his gallant 
army, was ours in its entire length. It was strongly garri¬ 
soned at all points, from St. Louis to its mouth. The entire 
line of the Arkansas was also in our possession ; so that we 
were armed masters of all the country lying west of the Mis¬ 
sissippi and north of the Arkansas. We also held a few 
points in Southern Louisiana, west of the Mississippi, but not 
far from the river. All the remaining Trans-Mississippi terri¬ 
tory was in rebel possession, and held by a force of not less 
than eighty thousand men. Of this force, however, it must 
be observed, that it had become somewhat disintegrated by 
inaction and want of opposition by our armies ; so that one- 
half of it was in a state of partial disbandment, but could 
easily be called out when needed to join the garrisons. Suf¬ 
fice it to say, that the rebel army west of the river was quite 
large enough, with the numerous guerrilla bands, and the 
dangerous, because secret, co-operation of a disloyal and 
bitter population, to render it necessary to employ a large 
force in order to keej) the river open to the navigation of our 
fleets and commerce, and to give protection to the loyal men 
—few, but marked men—in the country west of it. 

III. If we look east of the Mississippi at this juncture, we 


270 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


shall find that we held substantially the hue of the Tennessee 
and the Holston, including nearly all of Tennessee. South of 
Chattanooga, in Georgia, we kept a small foothold, soon to be 
of greater importance, but now occupied to keep the enemy 
from marching up and attacking our garrisons in East Ten¬ 
nessee. 

IV. While we had an armed occupancy of Western Vir¬ 
ginia, the rest of Virginia, with certain important exceptions, 
was in the rebel hands. We had a small portion at the north, 
the line of the Potomac. We also held Norfolk, Portress Mon¬ 
roe, and a small surrounding country, and the ground occu¬ 
pied by the Army of the Potomac, then lying north of the 
Papidan. 

To supply the troops, in these widely distant localities, was 
a colossal task. To guard the routes of communication and 
supply, by roads and rivers, against raids, guerrilla bands, 
and a bitterly hostile people, was a subordinate but most 
troublesome and annoying duty, subsidizing large numbers of 
men. 

THE REBEL ARMIES. 

The principal armies of the Confederacy, at this period, 
were those under Lee, in Virginia, and Johnston, in Georgia. 
Lee, the ranking officer in the Confederate army, was person¬ 
ally in command of the Army of Virginia, posted along the 
south bank of the Papidan, from strong intrenchments on 
Mine Pun, westward, covering Pichmond and threatening 
Washington. Lee was an excellent general, clear-headed, 
quick in the disposition of a battle-field, cool and brave, the 
military idol of the Confederacy. He had generally acted 
on the defensive, but was always ready to turn it into the 
offensive, in which he had made mistakes, like that at Gettys¬ 
burg, which would have killed the reputation of any other 
Confederate general. But his reputation had a more, solid 
basis in the affection of the Confederate people, and was to 
receive still additional glories in the Titanic battles about to 
follow with his greater antagonist, Grant. 


THE CONDUCT OF ME WAR. 


271 


Johnston, to whom our readers have already been intro¬ 
duced, commanded the second great army, at Dalton. With 
this he covered Atlanta, a great railroad centre, where four of 
the principal railroads terminate,—a depot for cotton and 
breadstuff's, equally a centre for foundries, machine-shops, 
and military magazines, and therefore of vital importance to 
the rebels. 

Forrest, with a large force of cavalry, was operating in 
Northeastern Mississippi; while the Shenandoah Valley, por¬ 
tions of Western Virginia, and the extreme eastern angle of 
Tennessee, were in the enemy’s hands. Besides these armies 
and forces now mentioned, there were garrisons of various 
size at the points on the seacoast, which we had blockaded. 

To speak technically, the objective points of the campaign 
were Bichmond, Atlanta, and the rebel armies which covered 
them ; each city and its covering army merging into one 
objective, as we should drive the enemy back within the city 
defences. 


OUR OPPOSING ARMIES. 

To oppose and destroy the army of Lee, and to‘capture 
Bichmond, was the work assigned to the Army of the Po¬ 
tomac, with certain co-operating columns. This army was 
commanded by Major-General George Gordon Meade, and 
its exploits will constitute the chief material for the remainder 
of our narrative. Lieutenant-General Grant was to accom¬ 
pany it. $ 

The army of Johnston was to be driven back, and Atlanta 
taken, by the army of Major-General William T. Sherman, 
now at Chattanooga. This officer, upon Grant’s promotion, 
had been placed in command of the Military Division of the 
Mississippi, and was thus the director of all the forces from 
the Mississippi to the Alleglianies, together with the Depart¬ 
ment .of Arkansas, west of the Mississippi; but he was to lead 
in person the army against Johnston. He was entirely in 
Grant’s confidence, had had long conversations with the 
lieutenant-general, and. knew his desires thoroughly, even 


272 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


without a written word. The instructions, therefore, were 
very general. He was to beat Johnston’s army, destroy it if 
possible, and march down as far as possible into the enemy’s 
country. On no account was he to let Johnston slip away 
and join Lee in Virginia. If he should attempt it, Sherman 
was to follow in hot haste, and neutralize him. Grant prom¬ 
ised equally not to let large re-enforcements go from Lee to 
Johnston, to crush Sherman. The orders were very general, 
but the sequel proved that the trust reposed in Sherman was 
very just. 

BANKS. 

_ f _ 

Major-General N. P. Banks, commanding the Department 
of the Gulf, was just going up the Bed Biver on an expedi¬ 
tion to Shreveport, Louisiana, which had been organized be¬ 
fore Grant assumed the command in chief. The orders sent 
to Banks were general, but, in the light of after events, im¬ 
portant. He was directed to take Shreveport without delay : 
or in the event of its requiring ten or fifteen days over the 
time for which Sherman had sent him troops, he should send 
them back to their commands at the specified time, even should 
this make it necessary to abandon the main purpose of the 
Bed Biver expedition; for this force was absolutely necessary 
to Sherman in his movements east of the Mississippi. If he 
succeeded in taking Shreveport, he might hold it with an ade¬ 
quate force, but must take the bulk of his troops back to New 
Orleans, which might soon become the point of departure for 
an attack upon Mobile. 

We need not dwell long upon the further instructions to 
General Banks. They were explicit on all the great points. 
If successful, he was to turn over the defence of the Bed Biver 
to General Steele and the navy. Except the pied-a-terre on 
the Bio Grande, which could be held by four thousand men 
well intrenched, a service for which the colored troops might 
in part be used, he was to abandon Texas entirely. A reduc¬ 
tion might be made in the garrisons on the Mississippi, from 


THE CONDUCT OF THE WAR. 


273 


Port Hudson to New Orleans, and elsewhere in liis depart¬ 
ment, and he would thus have thirty thousand effectives with 
which to move against Mobile, in co-operation with other 
troops which Grant promised to send him. In the advance 
on Mobile, which was to be a combined movement with the 
navy, he was to arrange with Admiral Farragut; but Grant 
suggested Pascagoula as a base. Profound secrecy was en- • 
joined upon him. 


IN VIRGINIA. 

In considering the problem to be encountered and solved 
by the Army of the Potomac, more than one plan suggested 
itself. The primary, all-transcending instructions were to at¬ 
tack Lee, and wherever he went, to follow him. Of the feasi¬ 
ble plans which presented themselves, the first was to cross 
the Rapidan below Lee’s army, move rapidly upon his right 
flank, and turn or crush it. 

The second, to cross above, and turn or threaten Lee’s left. 

By adopting the second plan, he would put Lee into great 
concern about Richmond, and make it impossible for him to 
move his army, or send large raiding parties northward. But 
this would separate him from direct, easy, and constantly 
shortening lines of communication with Butler. He could 
only move with a certain supply of rations, and if unsuc¬ 
cessful in beating Lee, must return to his base when those 
were out. 

The first plan promised more. By crossing below he could 
approach Butler and Richmond, and force Lee to move down 
with him, or abandon Richmond and his base. It is true that 
Lee might move northward; but this involved a desperate 
purpose, and wonderful, almost miraculous fortune. In any 
event, Lee always moved upon an interior line and acted upon 
the defensive. 

The first plan was adopted ; and in carrying it out, never did 
Grant assume a more difficult task and a greater responsibil¬ 
ity. It was enough to appal the stoutest heart. There are 

12* 


274 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


\ 


few men besides Grant wlio would have undertaken it; indeed 
there were many who were opposed to it, and who expected 
its failure. 

The plans being definitely adopted, all the armies were busy 
in preparation. Expecting to move with the Army of the Po¬ 
tomac, he could issue to it daily orders. To the forces directly 
co-operating with it, his instructions were given specifically in 
writing. 


DIRECTIONS TO GENERAL BUTLER. 

As early as April 2, General Grant had informed Butler of 
his plans,—that all were to co-operate energetically, and that 
as all the forces could not be united, two or three large ones 
were to co-operate in a common purpose. As, by concert of 
action, these should approach each other, the territory to be 
guarded would decrease in extent, and the entire force of the 
enemy, in all portions, be employed at the same time. The 
conclusion of the matter was, that while the Army of the Po¬ 
tomac was to take care of Lee’s army and approach [Rich¬ 
mond, Butler was to move directly upon Bichmond by the 
south side of the James. Por this purpose he had twenty 
thousand men,—to be joined by Gillmore, who was to be at 
City Point on or about the 18th of April, with ten thousand 
more in transports, brought from the Department of the 
South. This body Gillmore was to command ; and General 
William F. Smith was sent to Butler to command the remain¬ 
der of the forces in the field. 

With this force Butler was to move up the James and take 
City Point, intrench himself there, and make instant prepara¬ 
tions to take the field. When ready he was to advance, hug¬ 
ging the south bank of the river closely. If Grant should 
force Lee back to Bichmond, the two armies could speedily be 
joined. Enjoining upon him to use his cavalry to cut the 
railroad about Hick’s Ford, and at other points, he left all 
minor details to Butler. 

On the 16th of April these instructions were substantially 


THE CONDUCT OF THE WAR. 


275 




reiterated; and on tlie 19tli, Butler was directed to begin liis 
movement when Meade should move with the Army of the 
Potomac from Culpepper. Grant further informed him that 
if he could succeed in so investing Biclimond as to make his 
left flank rest upon the James River above the city, he 
would join him there, if he succeeded in driving Lee back. 
In any case, Butler must so operate as to keep a large 
force in Richmond, or south of it, and away from Lee’s 
army. 

Besides the written instructions, Grant had a personal in¬ 
terview and long conference with Butler; and both Butler and 
Meade distinctly understood that, in last resort, Grant’s pur¬ 
pose was to move across the James, and take position on the 
south,—the Vicksburg tactics slightly modified. 

Butler was also informed of the great—if secondary—import¬ 
ance of occupying Petersburg, wdiile Richmond was his prin¬ 
cipal objective. 


sigel’s instructions. 

General Sigel had command of our forces in Western Vir¬ 
ginia, in the Shenandoah Valley, and in defence of the fron¬ 
tiers of Maryland and Pennsylvania. Grant directed him 
to organize for two co-operating expeditions southward, one 
from Beverly and the other from Charleston, to be commanded 
respectively by Generals Ord and Crook. But just at this junc¬ 
ture General Ord was relieved at his own request, and the ex¬ 
pedition from Beverly was abandoned. Two columns were 
substituted ;—one, ten thousand strong, to move under Crook, 
on the Kanawha; and the other, seven thousand strong, 
under Sigel in person, up the Shenandoah. The former was 
directed to take Lewisburg, and move down the Tennes¬ 
see Railroad, destroying the New River Bridge, and the salt¬ 
works at Saltsville, which were of incalculable value to the 
enemy. - 

We shall recur to all these projects where they take their 
places as distinct movements in the chronological order. 


276 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Pending the manoeuvres of the principal armies under 
Grant against Lee and Richmond, and under Sherman against 
Johnston, all other organizations were actively employed in 
protecting our extended lines, and communication between 
the loyal States and the armies. 


PREPARATIONS FOR THE FINAL CAMPAIGN. 


277 


CHAPTER XXVI. 

PREPARATIONS FOR THE FINAL CAMPAIGN. 

Grant’s announcement to the armies.— At Washington.—The Army of tob 
Potomac.—General Meade.—The army reorganized.—Fifth Corps—Second 
—Sixth.—The Ninth Corps.—The character of the army.—Grant’s staff. 
—Meade’s chief, and adjutant-general. 

I 

Grant had left Washington shortly after receiving the ap¬ 
pointment of Lieutenant-General, and was at Nashville at the 
time that Mr. Lincoln’s order was issued promoting him to 
the supreme command. He immediately announced it to the 
armies, by embodying it in the following order : 


Headquarters of- the Armies of the United States, 
Nashville, Tenn., March 17, 1864. 

In pursuance of tlie following order of the President: 

“Executive Mansion, Washington, March 10, 18C4. 

“ Under the authority of the act of Congress to appoint to the grade of 
lieutenant-general in the army, of March 1, 1864, Lieutenant-General Ulysses 
S. Grant, United States Army, is appointed to the command of the armies of the 
United States. 

Abraham Lincoln.” 

I assume command of the armies of the United States. Headquarters will be 
in the field, and, until further orders, will be with the Army of the Potomac. 
There will be an office-headquarters in Washington, to which all official com¬ 
munications will be sent, except those from the army where the headquarters 
are at the date of their address. 


U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General. 


m 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Tlie following is tlie General Order of the War Depart¬ 
ment : 


General Orders, No. 98. 

War Department, Adjutant-General’s Office, 
Washington, March 12, 1864. 

Tlie President of the United States orders as follows : 

First. Major-General Halleck is, at his own request, relieved from duty as 
general : in-chief of the army, and Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant is assigned 
to the command of the armies of the United States. The headquarters of the 
army will be in Washington, and also with Lieutenant-General Grant in the 
field. 

Second. Major-General Halleck is assigned to duty in Washington, as chief 
of staff of the army, under the direction of the Secretary of War and the Lieu¬ 
tenant-General commanding. His orders will be obeyed and respected accord¬ 
ingly. 

Third. Major-General W. T. Sherman is assigned to the command of the 
Military Division of the Mississippi, composed of the Departments of the Ohio, 
the Cumberland, the Tennessee, and the Arkansas. 

Fourth. Major-General J. B. McPherson is assigned to the command of the 
Department and Army of the Tennessee. 

Fifth. In relieving Major-General Halleck from duty as general-in-chief, 
the President desires to express his approbation and thanks for the zealous 
manner in which the arduous and responsible duties of that position have been 
performed 

By order of the Secretary of War. 

E. D. Townsend, Assistant Adjutant-General. 

On tlie 23d of March, six days afterwards, he arrived in 
Washington, accompanied by Mrs. Grant and his eldest son. 
Of his military family, only General Rawlins and three of his 
staff were with him. The eyes of the whole nation were upon 
him, and their hopes strong that he would not dictate the 
movements from Washington. It was, therefore, with tie 
greatest satisfaction that both eyes and hopes followed him 
immediately to his new headquarters in the field. Loyal men 
drew a long breath when they found he was going to conduct 
the campaign against Lee in person. The spirits of all were 
raised, and the confidence of all was reposed in this one man 
whom God had raised up to deliver us. His movable head¬ 
quarters were at once fixed with the Army of the Potomac, at 


PREPARATIONS FOR THE FINAL CAMPAIGN. 


279 


Culpepper Courthouse, and it was manifest that he proposed 
to himself the most difficult task of all. This army he pro¬ 
ceeded at once to reorganize in the manner best suited to his 
purposes. Intending no disparagement to certain command¬ 
ers who were removed at his suggestion, and transferred to 
other parts of the theatre of war, he selected those with whom 
he thought he could work best, for purposes either of inde¬ 
pendent command or concert of action. His selections were 
extremely judicious. 

THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC—GENERAL MEADE. 

General Meade, the hero of Gettysburg—that ever-memo- 
r&ble battle, which saved the Republic in one crisis of its fate— 
regarded by the army as a commander of the first rank, was 
retained in command of the Army of the Potomac. And here 
we may pause to consider the relations of these two officers. 
Grant had " undoubtedly in an especial manner the charge 
and control of the campaign, and could at his pleasure direct 
the movement of any portion of the Army of the Potomac; 
but, in a general statement, we may say, that while he directed 
what movements were to be made, Meade had the handling of 
that army, and all the details of battle were in his li&nds. 
He was to Grant what the corps commanders were to him ; 
and nobly throughout that campaign did Meade co-operate 
with Grant, doubtless sometimes hushing the utterances of 
those finer sensibilities which must occasionally have struggled 
for expression, on account of the necessary but somewhat 
anomalous condition of his relations to the supreme chief.* 


* General Grant’s words are: “ Commanding all the armies, as I* did, I 

tn6d, as far as possible, to leave General Meade in independent command of 
th <5 Army of the Potomac. My instructions for that army were all through 
him, and were general in their nature, leaving all the details and execution to 
him. The campaigns that followed proved him to be the right man in the 
right place. His commanding always in the presence of an officer superior to 
him in rank, has drawn from him much of that public attention which his 
zeal and ability anuaWa him to, and which he would otherwise have received.” 



280 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Until the flood of detailed reports is poured into the lap of 
history, the country can never know how much it owes to 
Meade for the campaign we are now about to describe. The 
army is always spoken of as Grant’s army ; the dispatches 
were sent through Grant’s headquarters ; and his presence in 
the field gave him not only the entire responsibility, but, in 
the public eye, the entire praise for what was done. Every 
page of the following narrative will show us the great glory 
of Grant; and we speak with authority when we say, that he 
would not detract for a moment from the masterly skill, the 
labors, the valor, and the constancy of General Meade, which 
endured even to the end. To these, indeed, the Lieutenant- 
General has borne public testimony, in recommending General 
Meade for promotion as a major-general in the regular army, 
a position he nobly deserved, and which he now holds. 

Remembering this, our readers will not expect from us an 
attempt to make the difficult distinction, at all points of the 
campaign, between the functions of the Lieutenant-General 
and General Meade. At times, however, we shall make such 
a designation. 


THE ARMY REORGANIZED. 

The army was reorganized on the 24th of March. The 
corps were consolidated, and reduced to three—the Fifth, 
Second, and Sixth. Without giving the details of consolida¬ 
tion, arrangement, and transfer of divisions, we may present 
the general organization and strength of these corps, as fol¬ 
lows. 

The Fifth Corps was commanded by Major-General Gouv- 
erneur K. Warren, a young officer of engineers, wdio had been 
rapidly promoted on account of his dashing valor, his skill in 
handling troops, and his devotion to his military profession. 
He had been particularly distinguished at Bristoe Station. 
His corps consisted of four divisions, commanded respectively 
by Generals Wadsworth, Crawford, Robinson, and Griffin. 
The commanders of brigades were Ayres, Cutter, Baxter, 


PREPARATIONS FOR xHE FINAL CAMPAIGN. 281 

J. F. Bartlett, Barnes, and Bice, all veterans by reason of 
continuous service in the present war. 

The Second Corps was commanded by Major-General Win¬ 
field Scott Hancock, an officer of infantry, who had received 
an appointment in the Quartermaster’s Department; who had 
also risen with great rapidity; and who, in bearing, personal 
appearance, splendid gallantry, and influence over his troops, 
fully deserves the epithet which he received at Williamsburg— 
“ Hancock the Superb/ 5 His divisions were commanded in 
the following order: by Generals Barlow, Gibbon, Birney, 
and Carr. The brigade commanders were Generals Webb, 
Owen, Ward, Alexander Hayes, and Mott; and Colonels 
Miles, Smyth, Frank, Brooke, Carrol, and Brewster. Colonel 
Tidball was chief oj artillery. 

The Sixth Corps was under Major-General John Sedgwick, 
highly esteemed as an officer, and greatly beloved as a man, 
throughout the army. Originally an officer of artillery, he 
had been made, before the war, a colonel of cavalry ; and by 
liis services since, he had risen to the first rank, having more 
than once been offered command of the Army of the Potomac, 
which his modesty caused him to decline. His division com¬ 
manders were Generals H.. G. Wright, Getty, and Prince ; 
and the brigades were commanded by Generals Torbert, 
Shaler, Wheaton, Neill, Eustis, and Bussell; and Colonels 
Upton, Burnham, and Grant. Colonel C. H. Tompkins com¬ 
manded the artillery. 

The reserve park of artillery was under the general direc¬ 
tion of Brigadier-General Henry J. Hunt, chief of artillery ; 
and under the immediate command of Colonel H. S. Burton, 
of the Fifth Artillery. 

A brigade of engineer troops, and the ponton-trains, were 
under the command of Major (now General) James C. Duane, 
of the United States Engineers. The immense park of supply- 
wagons was directed by Brigadier-General Bufus Ingalls, 
chief quartermaster. 

The cavalry of the entire army was consolidated under 
General Philip H. Sheridan, an officer of Begular Infantry, 


282 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


who had already distinguished himself in the Southwest, and 
whose services in this campaign were to till the country with 
his fame. 

Of the principal commanders in the former army, Major- 
Generals Sykes, French, Newton, Pleasonton, and Brigadier- 
Generals Kenly, Spinola, and Meredith, were relieved and 
sent to other fields. General Kilpatrick was ordered to Gen¬ 
eral Thomas for assignment to a cavalry command. 

THE NINTH CORPS. v 

The Ninth Corps, composed in part of colored troops, who 
were now for the first time fighting for their country, and 
who, after the experience of Fort Pillow and Plymouth, felt 
that there was no surrender for them, had been recruiting at 
Annapolis. It was commanded by General A. E. Burnside, 
already well known to the "world as the captor of Boanoke and 
Newbern, and for his ill success at Fredericksburg. It was 
reviewed by President Lincoln on the 23d of April; and then, 
dispelling all doubts as to its destination, it was marched at 
'once to Culpepper, to join the Army of the Potomac. 

THE CHARACTER OF THE ARMY. 

Grant had an aggregate force of one hundred and forty thou¬ 
sand men, with which to move upon his greatest campaign, bear¬ 
ing with him the hopes, the prayers, and the confidence of the 
country. As to its character, we may be permitted to say that it 
was as good an army as it was possible to produce, taking into 
consideration the rapidity of its organization, and the great, 
numbers of new troops. Its generals were good men and 
true, thoroughly schooled and tested by former services ; the 
lieutenant-general, General Meade, and all the corps com¬ 
manders, most of the division, and many of the brigade com¬ 
manders, were graduates of the Military Academy at West 
Point. The men were of admirable material, but many of them 
new troops, who had never been under fire before, and de- 


PREPARATIONS FOR THE FINAL CAMPAIGN. 


283 


pended, therefore, upon tlie nucleus of veterans upon which 
they w T ere formed, and upon the example and directions 
of the company and regimental officers immediately com¬ 
manding them ; and here, what had been the weak point of 
the Army of the Potomac, as indeed of all our armies, in the 
early stages of the war, had grown into robustness and 
strength. The subordinate officers who had been at first 
appointed, were uninstructed and unfitted to command the 
men. The generals directed the movements, and the men 
carried them out as well as they could; and the successes of 
the best manoeuvres would frequently not have been achieved 
had it not been for the superior intelligence, bravery, and 
dash of the private soldiers, who had left their homes with 
their lives in their hands in defence of the country. But now, 
we have the authority of competent judges for saying, all this 
was changed. The worthless had been weeded out; brave 
men had risen from the ranks; and a new generation of 
officers, who had become so after hard service, directed the 
men, and were connected with them by a sympathy of the 
strongest kind. 

The following officers composed the staff of General Grant 
in the field : 

Brigadier-General John A. Bawlins, chief of staff; Lieu¬ 
tenant-Colonel T. S. Bowers, assistant adjutant-general ; 
Lieutenant-Colonel C. B. Comstock, senior aid-de-camp ; 
Lieutenant-Colonel Orville E. Babcock, aid-de-camp; Lieu¬ 
tenant-Colonel F. T. Dent, aid-de-camp; Lieutenant-Colonel 
Horace Porter, aid-de-camp ; Lieutenant-Colonel W. L. Dupp, 
assistant inspector-general; Lieutenant-Colonel W. B. Bow- 
ley, secretary; Lieutenant-Colonel Adam Badeau, secre¬ 
tary ; Captain E. S. Parker, assistant adjutant-general; Cap¬ 
tain George K. Leet, assistant adjutant-general, in charge 
of office at Washington ; Captain P. T. Hudson, aid-de-camp; 
Captain H. W. Janes, assistant quartermaster, on duty at 
headquarters ; First-Lieutenant William Dunn, junior, Eighty- 
third Indiana Aolunteers, acting aid-de-camp. 

General Meade’s chief of staff was Major-General A. A. 


284 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Humphreys, a field-officer of engineers, who, as a division 
commander, had gained reputation at Gettysburg. His 
adjutant-general was General Seth Williams, an officer of 
the greatest value, on account of his ready, rapid, and system¬ 
atic discharge of the duties of his department. 

From what has been said, it will be seen that Grant’s pro¬ 
gramme was an admirable one, and the prospect bright. - If 
the collateral movements of Butler and Sigel should be suc¬ 
cessful, and the southern communication cut off by Peters¬ 
burg and Lynchburg, Lee, although holding an interior po¬ 
sition, and acting upon the defensive, would be obliged to di¬ 
vide his forces, and Grant’s march to Bichmond would be 
comparatively easy. But if they failed, Lee could concen¬ 
trate upon Grant, and give him the more difficult task. 
Grant had a right to expect the success of these movements ; 
but, as the sequel proved, he was fortunate in not placing 
entire dependence upon them. The resources of a great gen¬ 
eral consist in many alternatives, and in rapid modifications 
of his plans, when they are thwarted by the failure of subor¬ 
dinates or the hazardous chances of war. Such resources 
Grant was to find necessary in the impending campaign. 


THE CROSSING OF THE RUBICON. 


285 


CHAPTEB XXVII. 

THE CROSSING OF THE RUBICON. 


All ready.—Grant makes final preparations.— The position of the army.— 
Lee’s position.— The roads.— The Wilderness.—Meade’s order.— The corps 
move.—Plans and counterplans.— The rebels come up in column.—Ewell 

ON OUR RIGHT, BY THE TURNPIKE. 


Every thing was now in readiness for the Army of The 
Potomac to move. During the month of April, re-enforce¬ 
ments had been pouring in. Grant makes a tour of inspec¬ 
tion ; examines into the details of the organization ; clears the 
army of citizens and sutlers ; is closeted with the authorities 
at Washington, receiving their directions, and explaining to 
them his purposes ; visits Butler’s command, and gives general 
directions for the control of all the armies. And, just eight 
weeks from the day of receiving his commission as lieutenant- 
general, he issues the order of advance, to turn, if possible, 
the right flank of the enemy. 

The position of the Army of the Potomac, just before the 
grand movement, was along the north bank of the Bapidan, 
confronting and watching the army of General Lee. That 
army, composed of the corps of Ewell, Hill, and Long- 
street, and' the cavalry under J. E. B. Stuart, lay upon and 
near the south bank of the river, with its front strongly pro¬ 
tected by field-works. The left flank was covered by the 
Baj3idan, and the mountains lying near Orange Courthouse; 


286 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


and the right flank by a well-intrenched line from Morton’s 
Ford to Mine Bun. 

General Lee awaited the development of Grant’s plans, as 
to whether he would attempt to turn his left or his right, or 
attack him boldly in front. The first of these, perhaps, was that 
which he anticipated. To thwart them all, his intrenchments 
lay along the river and Mine Bun, from a point three miles 
below Bacoon Ford, and his lines extended twenty miles on 
each side of Orange Courthouse. Ewell and Hill were 
nearest the river. Longstreet’s corps, which had just returned 
from East Tennessee, where it had been wintering since his 
terrible repulse at Knoxville, was within easy supporting dis¬ 
tance, near Gordonsvifle. 

The plan of Grant was to cross the river below, and, by a 
sudden movement, turn Lee’s right flank, and cut him off from 
Biclimond; then, by fierce battles, to beat him and destroy 
his army. In case of failure in these plans, his alternative 
was to force him back by marching by the left flank, and by 
this flank movement to follow him to Biclimond. 


THE ROADS. 

A glance at the map will show two roads running from 
Orange Courthouse to Fredericksburg—the turnpike and the 
plankroad; the former tolerably straight, and the latter tor¬ 
tuous, but in a general parallel direction. 

Let it be particularly observed, to a proper understanding 
of the movement, that the Stevensburg plankroad runs from 
Culpepper Courthouse to and across Germanna Ford, in a 
southeasterly direction, crosses the turnpike before mentioned, 
and terminates in the plankroad. At the junction of the 
plankroad and the turnpike is the old Wilderness tavern, 
Five miles beyond, at the junction of the two plankroads, is the 
old church. The Brock road leads southeasterly to Spottsyl- 
vania Courthouse. 

To reach this latter point, and thus pass through the Wil¬ 
derness, if possible, without encountering Lee’s columns, waa 



FROM THE RAPIDAN TO RICHMOND. 





























































288 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Grant’s desire; for, that junction once being secure, Lee’s po¬ 
sition on the Rapidan was turned, and several roads to Rich¬ 
mond were laid open to us. 

THE WILDERNESS. 

The Wilderness is a broken table-land, covered over with 
dense undergrowth, with but few clearings, in which the rebels 
could conceal themselves, which proved a formidable obstacle 
to our advance. It was intersected -by numerous cross-roads, 
generally narrow, and bounded on either side with a dense 
growth of low-limbed and scraggy pines, stiff and bristling 
chinkapins, and scrub-oaks. The undergrowth was principally 
of hazel. There were many deep ravines, but not sufficiently 
precipitous to offer us much trouble on that account; the 
principal difficulty being in the almost impenetrable under¬ 
growth, which would impede our advance in line of battle, 
and render the artillery almost useless. Besides the cross¬ 
roads mentioned, a few wood-roads pass through the Wilder¬ 
ness in all directions, and were known to Lee and not to Grant. 

With these preliminary remarks, let us now come to the 
passage of the river. 

On the 3d of May, General Meade issued a stirring order 
to the Army of the Potomac, which was read to every organ¬ 
ization.* 


* Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

May 3, 1864. 

Soldieks —Again you are called upon to advance on the enemies of your 
country. The time and the occasion are deemed opportune by your command¬ 
ing general to address you a few words of confidence and caution. You have 
been reorganized, strengthened, and fully equipped in every respect. You 
form a part of the several armies of your country—the whole under an able 
and distinguished general, who enjoys the confidence of the Government, the 
people, and the army. Your movement being in co-operation with others, it is 
of the utmost importance that no effort should be spared to make it successful. 

Soldiers! The eyes of the whole country are looking with anxious hope 
to the blow you are about to strike in the most sacred cause that ever called 
men to arms. Remember your homes, your wives, and children ; and bear in 



THE CROSSING OF THE RUBICON. 


289 


THE CORPS MOVE. 

* 

At midnight, on the 3d, General Wilson, with the Third 
Cavalry Division, moved to Germanna Ford, with an engineer 
party and ponton-train, to prepare for the crossing of the 
infantry at that point. Gregg’s division of cavalry proceeded 
at the same hour to make similar preparations for the crossing 
at Ely’s Ford. After laying the pontons, Wilson’s division 
marched forward to the old Wilderness tavern and Chancellors- 
ville, without meeting any opposition. Up to this time it was 
evident that Lee expected Grant to move in the direction of 
Orange Courthouse and Gordonsville, and was not prepared 
to contest our crossing. At an early hour on the morning of 
the 4th, Warren, with the Fifth Corps, followed the cavalry to 
Germanna Ford, and crossed. Sedgwick’s (Sixth) Corps came 
immediately after, and both marched down from the ford 
towards the junction of the plankroads, which we have desig¬ 
nated as an important strategic point. 

Hancock, with the Second Corps, followed Gregg’s cavalry, 
and crossed at Ely’s Ford just after daylight. Thence he 
marched, according to directions, to Chancellorsville. 

The supply-trains had been assembled at Bichardsville, 
guarded by one division of cavalry. From that point they 
followed the Second Corps, crossed at Ely’s, and also marched 
towards Chancellorsville. 


mind that, the sooner jour enemies are overcome, the sooner you will be re¬ 
turned to enjoy the benefits and blessings of peace. Bear with patience the 
hardships and sacrifices you will be called upon to endure. Have confidence in 
your officers, and in each other. 

Keep your ranks on the march and on the battle-field; and let each man 
earnestly implore God’s blessing, and endeavor, by his thoughts and actions, to 
render himself worthy of the favor he seeks. With clear conscience and strong 
arms, actuated by a high sense of duty, fighting to preserve the Government 
and the institutions handed down to us by our forefathers, if true to ourselves, 
victory, under God's blessing, must and will attend our efforts. 

George G. Meade, Major-General commanding. 

S. Williams, Assistant Adjutant-General. 

13 



290 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


A detachment of Sheridan’s cavalry, after crossing, en¬ 
countered and drove back Stuart, in the direction of Orange 
Courthouse. 

Lee^who was keenly on the alert, if in doubt for a moment, 
was soon aware of our purpose ; and, with a vigor which 
must extort our admiration, moved up at once in two columns, 
to offer desperate battle on the morrow, and, if possible, to 
break our line of battle, hastily formed to meet his attack. 
It was now manifest that, although Grant had crossed the 
river by a surprise, he would not reach the point of destina¬ 
tion, and leave the ugly Wilderness behind him, without a 
fierce struggle. 

PLANS AND COUNTERPLANS. 

Lee’s effort was to strike him in his flank movement, by 
two columns, against his line, and, if possible, rout him in the 
Wilderness, after piercing his line, as Nelson and Collingwood 
did that of the French and Spaniards at Trafalgar. Grant 
had not intended to fight in the Wilderness, if he could help 
it; but he was compelled to do this. When he found Lee 
approaching in force, he at once proposed to himself three 
alternatives: first, to beat Lee and rout him, wherever he 
chose to accept or to give battle; second, to cut him off from 
the railroad and Bichmond, and then to follow him up and 
beat him; and third, failing of these, to compel him to move 
southward towards Bichmond, striking him a side-blow at 
every step by flanking him on the left, and thus constantly 
threatening his right flank and communications. 

We can only undertake to present the grand features of the 
campaign. Indeed, its myriad details are so confused that it is 
impossible to describe them. They can never be fully known. 

After crossing, Warren’s (Fifth) corps was placed in posi¬ 
tion, on Thursday at noon, west of the old Wilderness tav¬ 
ern, across the turnpike, on the Germania and Chancellors- 
ville plankroad, towards Parker’s store, and five miles south 
of the ford. The line of battle was formed nearly north and 


THE CROSSING OF THE RUBICON. 291 

t 

south. Sedgwick, with the Sixtli Corps, was expected to 
come into line on Warren’s right, and extend to the river, cov¬ 
ering all approaches to the ford, but was long delayed in do¬ 
ing so. Hancock, who had been directed upon Cliancellorville, 
was deflected, and hurried forward by the Brock road, to take 
post on the left, across the plankroad from Orange Court¬ 
house, and thus to complete the hue. There was a frequent 
shifting of divisions, but the general positions of the corps re¬ 
mained nearlv the same. 

Burnside, who had just reached Culpepper before the move¬ 
ment, had been directed to remain twenty-four hours there, 
and then to move forward and join the main body. The 
Ninth Corps was designed to form the reserves. 

It was now plain that the enemy was moving by the turn¬ 
pike and plankroad from Orange Courthouse, to cut us off 
from the intersection, and that the battle must be fought in 
the Wilderness. Lee was playing an offensive-defensive in a 
country with which he was well acquainted, and where a small 
force could forbid the advance of a very large army. He was 
moving, as we have seen, in two parallel columns upon the 
flank of our line. Grant was entirely on the offensive, and 
had a far more difficult task. His artillery was paralyzed ; and 
it may be stated as a curious fact, that although there were 
nearly three hundred guns on the field, only about twenty 
were used. Much of the cavalry also fought dismounted. 

THE REBELS COME UP IN COLUMN. 

Let us now turn to the Confederate army. It consisted of 
three corps: the first, commanded by A. P. Hill, formerly an 
officer of artillery in our army, a brave and determined gen¬ 
eral ; the second, by R. S. Ewell, an equally good officer, who 
was a captain of cavalry before the war; the third, by Long- 
street, whom we have already mentioned as a determined and 
rapid fighter. General Lee, the commander-in-chief, was on 
the field himself. No sooner had he an intimation of our 
crossing, than he moved Ewell up by the turnpike, and on 



292 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


the night of the 4th his advance division, under Johnson, 
encamped in front of Warren’s left, at Parker’s store, on the 
plankroad, three miles from Wilderness Ptun. Kliodes’ division 
followed by the same route, and Early’s took post within sup¬ 
porting distance, near Locust Grove,—all in readiness for the 
battle which it was evident to every commander, in both 
armies, must be fought on Friday. 

Before day of the 5th, Johnson’s division gained a hill in 
their front, forming in line of battle, with John M. Jones’ bri¬ 
gade on the right, Stafford in the centre, and Stuart on the 
left. Walker was en potence on the extreme left. 


THE BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. 


293 


4 


CHAPTER XXVIII. 

THE BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. 


Orders to Warren and Sedgwick.—The battle-field.—Hancock to the rescue. 
—General attack on the 6th.—Hancock’s encounter.—Second rebel as¬ 
sault.—Gordon flanks our right.—Grant on the field.—Comments.—Losses. 
—Drawn battle. —— 


ORDERS TO WARREN AND SEDGWICK. 

Early on the morning of the 5th, the head of Warren’s 
(Fifth) corps being near Parker’s store, on the Orange and 
Fredericksburg plankroad, information was received that the 
enemy was coming up in force on the Orange turnpike. Or¬ 
ders were immediately sent to Warren to halt, concentrate his 
corps on the pike, and attack furiously whatever he should 
lind in his front. The orders were explicit, and the manoeu¬ 
vres rapid. The Sixth Corps was directed to move at once 
by any wood-roads they might find, and support Warren, by 
taking position on his right, and joining in the attack : but 
Getty’s division, of the Sixth, was detached, and hurried to 
the intersection of the Orange plankroad and the Brock road, 
with orders to hold it to the last, until Hancock, who had now 
been deflected from the march to Cliancellorsville, should 
come up into line on the left. 

THE BATTLE-FIELD. 

The battle-field in front of Warren, seen from the old 
tavern, may be thus described: In front is a brook, flowing 


GRANT AND PITS CAMPAIGNS. 


•>04 

<J TX 

northeasterly, like the Fontanone, at Alexandria, fought over 
so furiously by the First Consul, and Melas, in the battle of 
Marengo. A bridge spans it at the turnpike; then the road 
rises to a ridge. On the southern slope is Major Lucy’s 
house, in the midst o * a lawn and green meadows; beyond 
which are wooded hills and cedar thickets. On the right of 
the turnpike .the pines and cedars are thickly set: a ravine 
runs through still further to the right, on either side of which 
are the lines of Warren and Ewell. An Indian battle-ground 
truly, of broken, irregular surface, and almost impenetrable 
undergrowths; and yet here nearly a quarter of a million of 
civilized troops were to meet in the shock of battle. 

The fighting began at twelve o’clock of the 5th. Warren 
had come into position, and attacked as directed, with the di¬ 
vision of Griffin, supported by that of Wadsworth. So ener¬ 
getic was the attack, that Ewell was driven back for some dis¬ 
tance. Every thing would have been well, had it not been for 

• _ 

want of the expected supports. Want of roads, and the ex¬ 
treme denseness of the thicket, had prevented the Sixth Corps 
from coming up in time, and thus completing the programme. 
Thus the very ardor of our attack exposed the flank of Griffin. 
The enemy, quick to take advantage of this, rolled him back, 
with a loss of two guns. Wadsworth and Ayres, after desperate 
fighting, were forced back. In the mean time, Crawford’s divi¬ 
sion, which had the advance in the morning, had been with¬ 
drawn to the right towards the pike, formed on the left of 
Wadsworth, and attacked with him. When Wadsworth was 
driven back, Crawford, in his turn, was for a time isolated, 
and although extricated, it was not without the loss of many 
prisoners. Thus all the ground gained was given up. 

Ewell’s corps made desperate efforts against Warren to turn 
his left flank, before Hancock could come up. Getty (second 
division of Sixth Corps) came into position as ordered, on the 
Orange plankroad, just in time to find our cavalry forced 
back by the overwhelming numbers of A. P. Hill’s advance. 
With cool sagacity, Getty deploys his command on both sides 
of the road, takes the head of the advancing enemy in a cul-de - 


THE BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. 


295 


sac, pours in a deadly volley, and checks them there until 
Hancock can come up. 

The fighting was desperate and frightful; men were shot 
down by unseen enemies, and the confusion seemed inextri¬ 
cable. Johnson’s division was precipitated upon Warren. 
Jones’ brigade was driven back, and Jones and his aid killed 
in their efforts to rally his men. Stuart comes into the gap 
made by the retreat of Jones’ brigade, and in turn our men 
are driven back ; Rhodes’ division comes up in rear of John¬ 
son, with the brigades of Daniel and Gordon; and so vigor¬ 
ous is their movement, that they push our centre back and 
capture a number of prisoners. Such was the fighting in 
front of the Fifth Corps, and Getty’s division of the Sixth. 
Warren lost terribly, but was not driven back far. 

The Sixth Corps also sustained some attacks while coming 
into position. It was not until towards evening that it suc¬ 
ceeded in making its way through the tangled thicket, and in 
forming a connection with the Fifth. But little was effected 
by either of these corps after the first attack of the Fifth. 
The red tide of battle swayed back and forward on the right, 
left, and centre, without important success on either side. On 
the whole, up to this time, the advantage seemed to be with 
the enemy; but it was not long to remain so. 

HANCOCK TO THE RESCUE. 

It was now two o’clock. The orders deflecting Hancock 
from Chancellorsville had not been sent a moment too soon. 
They were obeyed with such alacrity, that his arrival on the 
field was not a moment too late. He was directed to form at 
once, and attack with Getty. 

In the early afternoon, Hancock, ever ready in the hour of 
danger, formed a double line in front of the Brock road, 
and was soon engaged with Hill’s corps, which had come 
up by the plankroad on the right of Ewell. Hill’s corps 
consisted of the divisions of Anderson, Heth, and Wilcox, 
all of them West Point men, formerly in our army. Han- 


29G 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


cock attacked vigorously, driving in tlie skirmishers of Heth, 
who was in advance. The battle raged furiously for three 
hours; and, as in the other part of the field, it swayed back 
and forth until evening. When Heth was nearly overpow¬ 
ered, Wilcox moved up in his rear, on the right and left of 
the plankroad, first one brigade, and then another; and at 
half-past four, Hill’s corps was fully deployed in Hancock’s 
-front. 

The attack of Hancock and Getty w^as at first successful, 
although the enemy resisted stubbornly; but at length Mott’s 
division of the Second Corps gave way, thus forming a tem¬ 
porary break in our line. Into this, with characteristic im¬ 
petuosity, rushed Brigadier-General Alexander Hays, with 
the Second Brigade of Birney’s division, to repair it. He 
was shot dead while gallantly leading his command into the 
thickest of the fight. 

While this was pending, the enemy’s columns now being 
distinctly seen in motion across towards the Orange plank¬ 
road, the division of Wadsworth and Baxter’s brigade, all of 
the Fifth Corps, were marched over in that direction, to join 
and attack with Hancock. But again the impracticable 
nature of the country retarded their march, so that they did 
not arrive in time before dark to do more than drive in the 
enemy’s skirmishers, and confront him, in readiness fQr the 
coming battle of the morning. 

The coming of night, it was supposed, had put an end to 
the carnage. So desperate had been the enemy’s attacks, 

4 

and so determined his resistance to ours, that most com¬ 
manders would have now been inclined to act upon the de¬ 
fensive. The nature of the ground, the great losses, and the 
small results were enough to discourage ordinary men. But 
it was not so with Grant. Our columns had now completed 
their junction. With characteristic firmness and cheerful¬ 
ness, after having received the reports of his commanders, 
he issued orders for a general attack to be made by each 
corps on whatever it confronted, at five o’clock the next 
morning. Greek had met Greek, and the tug of war was to 


THE BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. 


297 


come. Those mighty hosts lay in close contact with each 
other, and in one place so near that the combatants drew 
their water from the same stream. Both generals determined 
to attack in the morning. - 

GENERAL ATTACK ON THE 6TH. 

The arrangements for fighting the next day were these: 
Burnside was moved up to take post for a time in the gap 
between Warren and Hancock, between the Orange plank- 
road and the turnpike; while Getty’s division of the Sixth 
Corps, and Wadsworth’s division of the Fifth, remained de¬ 
tached as before, on the left of the Fifth, to re-enforce Han¬ 
cock’s right, upon which it was evident the most violent 
storm of the battle was to fall. Our line then was thus dis¬ 
posed from right to left;—Sedgwick, Warren, Burnside, Han¬ 
cock. It lay north and south, facing west, and was about five 
miles long. 

Ewell’s corps was now in front of Sedgwick and Warren, 
and Hill in front of Hancock. Longstreet, after a long march, 
has arrived during the night to re-enforce Hill. The sagacity 
of Grant in thus re-enforcing Hancock is now apparent, for 
otherwise the rebels would have overpowered him. To fill 
the gap in the rebel line between Ewell and Hill, Wilcox had 
been moved to his left to join on to Ewell; and there, still 
ignorant of Longstreet’s coming, he intrenched himself. 

Thus began a series of desperate conflicts from right to 
left, a repetition of the terrible carnage of the day before. 
Sedgwick contrived to hold his position in the right, and 
Warren his place in the line. 

hancock’s encounter. 

But the principal fighting, as was anticipated, is in front of 
Hancock. Attacking at five o’clock precisely, with two divi¬ 
sions under Birney and Getty,^and with Wadsworth also, on 

Hill’s flank, he drives Heth and Wilcox, of Hill’s corps, a 

13 * 


298 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


mile and a half to the rear, and within a hundred and fifty 
yards of Lee’s headquarters. He takes possession of their 
rifle-pits, many prisoners, and five stands of colors; but by 
eleven'*o’clock they have succeeded in slowly driving him 
back. It v r as at the critical moment, when the enemy w x as in 
some confusion, that Longstreet had appeared upon the field. 
McLaws’ division of his corps, led by Kershaw’s brigade, is 
handsomely deployed under fire; Field’s division comes into 
the line, which is further strengthened by Anderson’s division 
of Hill’s corps; and these heavy masses now make over¬ 
whelming efforts to double up our left flank, and throw the 
whole army back upon the river. By eleven o’clock Han¬ 
cock is driven back, and in danger of being turned, but sus¬ 
tains himself in the new position to which he has fallen back. 

Wadsworth, pushing forward into a weak point between 
the rebel corps on Hancock’s right, fights with the utmost 
gallantry to rally the retiring columns, has two horses shot 
under him, and at length falls, and dies the next day in the 
enemy’s hands. General Getty, seriously wounded early in 
the action, refuses to leave the dubious field until compelled 
by loss of blood to do so. 

SECOND REBEL ASSAULT. 

There is now a lull in the battle, until four o’clock in the 
afternoon, betokening the still heavier massing of the enemy’s 
troops in front of Hancock. At that hour the engagement 
again opens under the following circumstances: General Lee 
advances with Longstreet’s corps (that general having been 
wounded) against Hancock, and the rebel troops halting about 
a hundred yards Lorn our intrenchments, keep up a musketry 
fire for nearly an hour, under the effect of which a portion of 
Mott’s command and several of Birney’s division retire from 
their lines. Into the gap thus formed, a few rebels rush ; but 
Carroll’s brigade, moving by the left flank, come opportunely 
to fill the breach, and thus the line is restored. 

Not long after Hancock is thus pressed by the concen- 


THE BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. 


299 


trated forces of the enemy—that is, after four o’clock in the 
afternoon—Burnside attacks towards the Orange plankroad, 
to the right and in advance of Hancock’s position ; but the 
enemy is enabled to hold his line strongly in Burnside’s front, 
and the Ninth Corps, after some desultory fighting, is with¬ 
drawn at nightfall, taking position between the Second and 
Fifth Corps. 

The skill and valor of Hancock, the firmness of Gibbon, 
and the distinguished gallantry of Colonel Carroll, command¬ 
ing the Third Brigade of Gibbon’s division, dashed Lee’s 
hope of piercing our left, which, for a moment, it was feared 
he might do. 

GORDON FLANKS OUR RIGHT. 

And now the wearied Union army might well hope that the 
fighting for the day was over; but they were mistaken. At 
sunset, a heavy column of attack, under General Gordon— 
permitted to advance at his solicitation—moved from the 
extreme left of the enemy, which extended for a brigade front 
beyond our right, and, amid the deepening shadows, burst 
upon that flank, held by Bickett’s division. Our men were 
worn out, and had thrown themselves upon the ground to rest, 
unconscious of the danger which was brewing. The result was 
a complete surprise. The roar of cannon and the flashing 
of a thousand muskets, heralded the instant charge of the 
enemy. On they came, like a whirlwind, on the flank and in 
front, rolling up and capturing the brigades of General Tru¬ 
man Seymour and General Slialer ; but the promptness of 
Sedgwick, commanding the corps, checked their advance, and 
prevented any further confusion. General Seymour was par¬ 
ticularly unfortunate. He had that very day taken command 
of the Second Brigade of the Third Division, and had behaved 
with the greatest gallantry. We may say, in passing, that 
wdien marched as a prisoner to Bichmond, he took occasion 
to tell the rebels, in the boldest manner, some unpalatable 
truths as to the issue of the war; which, if they had acted 
upon them, would have led to an earlier ending. 


300 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


This little success of the enemy could not justify the rebel 
boasting with which it was announced: besides, it was very 
soon to be more than overbalanced; and Grant’s great army, 
baptized by the fire, stood as firm as a rock in spite of it. It 
became necessary, however, to transfer the sick and wounded 
from the Germania Ford road to the one leading to Clian- 
cellorsville; and as for the ford, if Lee wanted that, Grant 
presented it to him as a free gift. He did not want it, how¬ 
ever : business led him in the other direction. Indeed, both 
armies had been greatly fatigued by the terrible fight. Grant 
threw out a skirmish line to develop the enemy, while Lee 
remained resting behind his intrenchments. 

During the fighting of Thursday and Friday, Wilson’s 
division of the cavalry moved from Parker’s store towards the 
Catharpin road, where it had several passages of arms with 
Stuart’s rebel cavalry. For a time Wilson became isolated, 
and was fiercely attacked. He succeeded, however, in cutting 
his way through and rejoining the main body under Sheridan. 
On the 6tli, Sheridan held the left flank and rear of our army, 
repulsing all Stuart’s attempts to penetrate- around our flanks, 
and on the 7tli he repulsed the enemy with severe loss at 
Todd’s tavern. 

The fighting of the 6th of May substantially terminated wha- 
lias become famous in history as the battle of the Wilderness ; 
for on the next day, the 7tli, Hancock’s advance found Lee 
withdrawn from his immediate front, and pushing forward, 
discovered him in a new fine, strongly intrenched, near 
Parker’s store, and connecting with his intrenched line on the 
turnpike. 


GRANT ON THE FIELD. 

The headquarters of the lieutenant-general, during Thurs¬ 
day and Friday, were in rear of our centre, near the junction 
of the plankroad and a small road leading to Parker’s store. 
Most of the time he was on a piny knoll with Meade, just in 


THE BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. 


301 


rear of Warren. Those who observed him during the ac¬ 
tions were struck with his unpretending appearance, and his 
imperturbable manner. Neither danger nor responsibility 
seemed to affect him; but. he seemed, at times, lost in thought, 
and occasionally, on the receipt of information, would mount 
his horse and gallop off to the point where he w r as needed, to 
return with equal speed to his post of observation. 

COMMENTS. 

We may now pause for a moment to consider the desperate 
nature of the struggle in the Wilderness. Desperate it was 
in the extreme. Over a line of battle of six miles in length, 
in a thickly tangled country, adding confusion to slaughter, 
General Grant had forced his way past the enemy ; had com¬ 
pelled him to abandon his works, positions, and plans of 
battle ; but had neither demoralized nor thoroughly beaten 
him. On the other hand, Lee had no reason to boast of any 
success in his attacks. The rebel attack of Gordon upon 
Sedgwick had indeed given them some prisoners of ours, and 
had cut off Sedgwick’s communication with Germania Ford; 
but as Grant had no intention whatever of returning, or of 
even holding the ford after his trains w r ere safe, this apparent 
success of the enemy w T as really valueless; and when Grant 
withdrew Sedgwick, Lee, in concern about his right flank, 
had neither time, men, nor disposition to occupy Germania 
Ford. 

Indeed, after the battle of the Wilderness, Lee, for a mo¬ 
ment uncertain how severe Grant’s losses were, thought we 
were retreating to Fredericksburg, to cover Washington. He 
was not long in doubt, for Burnside and Sedgwick were soon 
found to be in motion bv the old Chancellorsville road towards 
Spottsylvania. 

He had also other means of gaining information. Spies 
and traitors were all around our headquarters. Our signals 
were discovered and repeated; and, with a rapidity that 
savored of magic and diabolic arts, no sooner had an order 


302 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


been issued by Grant, than it was known at Lee’s headquar¬ 
ters. On the other hand, we had no such information. There 
were not in the rebel ranks, wicked as they were, men as vile 
as Northern traitors, who, while wearing the uniform of the 
Republic, living on its bounty, and sworn to protect its glori¬ 
ous banner, were in secret league with the enemy, and doing 
more to defeat Grant’s plans than did the men wdio were ar¬ 
rayed in battle against him. 

LOSSES. 

Our losses in these battles were not less than fifteen thou¬ 
sand men. The loss of the Confederates was not less than 
8,000, including several generals. Among those whom we 
could ill afford to lose were Generals Wadsworth and Alexan¬ 
der Hays, shot dead, while gallantly leading the advance to 
repair the breach in our line on the afternoon of the 5th,—the 
former, a remarkable example of self-sacrificing patriotism. 
Past the prime of life, rich in the world’s goods, of the highest 
social station, and distinguished in a political career, he 
needed nothing to gratify an honorable ambition ; but, a loyal 
and loving son of the Republic, he had taken up arms to in¬ 
sure her integrity, and he gave, as he was ever ready to give, 
his life in vindication of the noble cause. 

To an equally ardent patriotism, General Hays added the 
noble ambition of an educated and experienced soldier. 
Frank, brave, quick, and energetic, he was the model of a 
commander. His men loved him, and followed him, because 
he not only commanded, but led them ; and although not in 
the highest position, we sustained no greater loss on that day 
than that of the noble Hays. 

Among our wounded were Hancock (slightly), Getty, Gregg* 
Owen, Bartlett, and Carroll. 

The rebels suffered also in the loss of generals. Long- 
street, shot, they say, by one of his own men, was thrown out 
of the field for the rest of the year; and, with no disparage¬ 
ment to others, he was their best corps commander. John M. 


THE BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. 


303 


Jones, well remembered as one of the most efficient officers at 
West Point for many years, Jenkins, and Stafford, were killed. 
Pegram, Pickett, and Hunter were wounded. 

DRAWN BATTLE. 

In brief epitome, we may say that, considered in its imme¬ 
diate result, the battle of the Wilderness was a drawn battle. 
In the light of after events it does not so appear. It was the 
grand and bloody initiative of a splendid campaign, in which 
Lee was to be driven to Richmond, and eventually sur¬ 
rounded and captured there. 





304 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


CHAPTER XXIX. 

ON TO RICHMOND. 


Suspense at the North.—Lee’s retreat.—Sedgwick killed.—Wright to Sixth 
Corps.—Attack on Spottsylvania.—Hancock’s feat of arms.—The after-bat¬ 
tle.—Our losses up to the 12th.—Who retreats, Grant or Lee?—The 

LAND AHEAD.— A NEW FLANKING MOVEMENT. 


SUSPENSE AT THE NORTH. 

Throughout the country, tlie people, uninformed of Grant’s 
plans, were in a state of great excitement; and, schooled as they 
w r ere to expect disasters in Virginia, they would not have been 
astonished had his army made a “masterly retreat” across the 
Rapidan. The wild excitement in Washington during those 
battles cannot be described. It extended to the President 
and the War Department. High functionaries sat up all 
night to receive intelligence from the field. Orders were 
given to the outposts, mostly guarded by the Invalid Corps, 
to arrest all fugitives, not to permit a single man to enter the 
defences of Washington, and to put all officers who should be 
found retreating, in irons. The crowd of fugitives was great 
and sickening, and among the officers thus ironed and brought 
to the War Department, it is a significant fact that there were 
four colonels : so that at the very moment Grant was carrying 
out his plans of advance, and before his dispatches could be 
received, it was feared that his whole army was in retreat. - 
This horrible fear and suspense were, however, soon dis- 


ON TO RICHMOND. 


305 


pellecl. The good news came, and with it came a call for re- 
enforcements. Lee w'as not driven from the field hi rout. 
This hope, if it had been entertained, was not realized; but 
the country breathed freely at the assurance that, in default 
of this, Grant was pushing him slowly but surely down to his 
defences at Richmond. Every available man was sent to the 
front. The heavy artillery regiments, which had been recruited 
' for the purpose of forming garrisons, were pushed forward, 
and the last volunteers took then* place. The President 
of the United States, now that the first suspense had been 
removed, proposed public prayers and thanksgiving, in 
token of our gratitude to God, and our dependence upon his * 
mercies.* 


lee’s retreat. 

At daybreak on Saturday, the 7th of May, hostilities were 
again resumed. Our artillery opened upon the enemy’s posi¬ 
tions, and skirmishers were thrown out. It soon became evi¬ 
dent that battle tactics w r ere for a time ended, and that grand 
tactics would be the order of the day. And here it should be 
observed how closely the minds of Lee and Grant divined and 
followed the plans of each other. Grant, as we have said, had 
abandoned Germanna Ford, and withdrawn Sedgwick, march¬ 
ing him to the rear and left. Lee had instructed Anderson 
(now commanding Longstreet’s corps) to move to Spottsyl- 
vania in the morning. Fortunately, Anderson moved that 
night at ten o’clock. 


* Executive Mansion, Washington, May 9, 1864. 

To the Friends of Union and Liberty : 

Enough is known of the army operations within the last five days to claim 
our especial gratitude to God. While what remains undone demands our most 
sincere prayers to and reliance upon Him (without whom all human effort is 
vain), I recommend that all patriots, at their homes, in their places of public 
worship, and wherever they may be, unite in common thanksgiving and prayer 
to Almighty God 


Abraham Lincoln. 



306 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


There was a little desultory fighting in our front; but, by 
noon on Saturday, the fact was fully developed that Lee was 
abandoning his intrenchments, and moving down rapidly by 
his right, on a road parallel to our projected movement, in or¬ 
der to give us check at Spottsylvania Courthouse. The two 
armies moved simultaneously. On the night of the 7th, War¬ 
ren’s (Fifth) corps, preceded by a column of cavalry, moved 
southward by the Brock road, followed, with closed intervals, 
by Hancock’s (Second) corps, through Todd’s tavern; Sedg¬ 
wick by way of Chancellorsville; and Grant’s headquarters 
were moved to the road running northeast from Todd’s tav¬ 
ern, and crossing the Ny near Piny Branch Church. During 
the movement, Grant and Meade, with their staffs, were con¬ 
sulting at the front, and constantly exposed to the fire. 

The cavalry, after some skirmishing near Todd’s tavern, 
had at length a general battle, in which our forces were only 
successful in holding their ground; but retarded the move¬ 
ments of the corps by blocking the roads. 

The Fifth and Second corps were pressed forward on 
the Brock road on Saturday night and Sunday morning. 
The Fifth, notwithstanding its great fatigue, was not suf¬ 
fered to rest, but marched all Saturday night. The Sixth 
and Ninth, on the east, in that order, by the Orange plank- 
road and the turnpike, preceded by the trains, were also in 
movement, all converging to Spottsylvania Courthouse. In 
order to clear the dense roads, it was found necessary to move 
the trains by daylight, which gave information to the enemy, 
and enabled him to meet our movements with correspond¬ 
ing checks. 

Lee was retreating to the same point by a parallel line to 
the west, but in perfect order. Master of the situation, he 
displayed great skill in turning to the left, and striking sharp, 
well-aimed blows, for which Grant was prepared, and which 
he returned with interest. Thus was fought the battle known 
as “Alsop’s Farm,” where the Fifth Corps received one of 
these attacks. 


ON TO RICHMOND. 


307 


The Fifth Corps arrived at a clearing within two and a half 
miles of Spottsylvania, and here encountered the corps of 
Longstreet, prepared to dispute our advance towards the court¬ 
house. Longstreet’s corps had arrived at that point, by a 
parallel road, and without the delay of Warren. The battle 
began before reaching the field of conflict, by an engagement 
between the cavalry who had marched in Warren’s front, 
with the enemy’s cavalry. Warren pushed rapidly down the 
road, meeting with slight resistance, until he came into the 
clearing of about one hundred and fifty acres, which was 
Alsop’s farm. Here he found the enemy’s artillery posted, 
and ready to contest his advance. 

Warren posted his batteries on the right, where he could 
command those of the enemy; and after a fierce duel of can¬ 
non, he advanced Robinson’s division to the assault. The 
intense heat of the day added to the labors and sufferings of 
the troops. Robinson’s men were compelled to retire in 
confusion; but Griffin came up on the right, and Crawford 
drove the rebels out of the wood on Griffin’s left. Wads¬ 
worth’s division (under Cutter) advanced and drove them 
back on our right, and thus our line was formed near the 
enemy and intrenched. Generals Griffin and Robinson were 
particularly distinguished: the latter w T as shot in the knee 
early in the action, and disabled. The Sixth Corps was at 
once ordered up to take position on Warren’s left, and the 
Second Corps posted temporarily at Todd’s tavern. 

In thus advancing and seeking the enemy, every corps 
was more or less engaged during the day. Miles’ brigade, 
of the Second Corps, was vigorously attacked by the enemy 
at Corbyn’s Bridge, but that gallant young officer, who had 
already been more than once severely wounded in former 
battles, punished the insolence of the brigade of the enemy 
by first repulsing his attack, and then driving him from the 
field. 

Wilson, who had been sent forward to feel the way, actually 
penetrated into Spottsylvania Courthouse; but as it was im- 


308 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


possible for the infantry to come to liis support, he was 
obliged to retire. 

The armies had now reached the scene of more desperate 
fighting; and fully aware of what was before him, Grant 
spent the morning of the next day, Monday, the 9th, in prep¬ 
aration ; the Fifth and Sixth corps pressing the enemy, devel¬ 
oping his position, and seeking for points of attack for the 
deadly struggle. 

Early in the morning, two divisions of the Ninth Corps hav¬ 
ing been moved to the Fredericksburg road, had driven the 
enemy handsomely across the Ny. In the evening, the whole 
of the Second Corps moved up from Todd’s tavern, and came 
into line on the right of the Sixth; except Mott’s division, 
which was sent to take post on the left of the Sixth. 

It was also on the 9th that Sheridan was sent on a co- % 
operating and diversionary raid, to which we shall presently 
allude. 

Artillery was put into position; divisions were marched and 
countermarched. Warren was in the centre. Hancock had 
now moved up on the right, and Sedgwick was on the'left. 
The wings were thrown back, to watch the corps of Hill and 
Ewell, which had reached the courthouse and taken position 
some distance in front of it on Saturday night. During these 
movements, Brigadier-General William H. Morris, command¬ 
ing First Brigade, Third Division, Sixth Corps, was severely 
wounded. 


GENERAL SEDGWICK KILLED. 

While strengthening the position, and when only a little des¬ 
ultory skirmishing was going on, General Sedgwick was in 
the front of the extreme right of his corps, with a few of his 
staff, superintending the posting of some guns. An occasional 
shot from a sharpshooter whistled, with elongated sound, about 
the group, causing some of the men to wince. The general 


ON TO RICHMOND. 


300 


joked tliem about their nervousness, saying, “ Pooh, men, 
they can’t hit an elephant at that distance.” The words had 
hardly passed his hps, when a ball pierced his face, just below 
the left eye, and with a serene smile, as if connected with his 
last words, he fell, the blood streaming from his nostrils. He 
died immediately, as he would have asked to die if he could 
have chosen the manner of his death. "Words of eulogium 
which would seem like flattery if spoken of other men, are in¬ 
adequate to express his virtues. A thorough soldier, a skilful 
general, and one of the very best of men, he was at once re¬ 
spected and beloved by all who knew him. Simple in heart 
and manner; modest as a youth; very generous to all around 
him; never seeking his own aggrandizement to the detriment 
of others, but rather preferring theirs to his own; he was the 
modern example of Chaucer’s “very parfit, gentil knight.” 
Forever green be the turf above his quiet grave at Cornwall 
Hollow, watered by the tears of friendship, and cherished by 
the pious care of patriot pilgrims. 

GENERAL WRIGHT TAKES THE SIXTH CORPS. 

The command of the Sixth Corps was now devolved upon 
General H. G. Wright, an engineer officer of distinction, 
whose after-career showed that he was eminently worthy of 
it. Burnside came into position on the extreme left, on the 
10th, to complete our lines around Spottsylvania. Having 
established his lines, Grant now determined to test the 
strength, and find the exact positions, of the enemy. 

To this end, on the afternoon of Monday, he ordered a new 
advance. It had been a race for Spottsylvania Courthouse, 
and the rebels, having the inside track, had won it by only 
ten minutes. 

We had now occupied Fredericksburg as a temporary 
depot of wounded, and ponton-bridges were laid below the 
town, so as to complete the communication with Aquia Creek, 
and thence to Washington. It was now Tuesday morning, 
the 10th of May. The position of the troops was substan- 


810 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


tially the same as on the day before. The enemy had been 
driven to his breastworks. Our line was complete : batteries 
covered our right flank, and also our left centre ; a dense 
forest was in our front. The enemy’s centre was well advanced 
on a commanding ridge, protected by breastworks, forest, 
and underbrush, and the marshy ground of the little creek 
lying on their front. 

Before moving to the attack, the general ordered a fire of 
artillery from all our batteries during the forenoon. The as¬ 
sault was then ordered to be made by portions of the Fifth 
and Sixth Corps. Hancock, who had been moved out across 
the Po to capture a train, was drawn back to join in the 
attack. The enemy attacked two of his advanced brigades, 
while he was withdrawing them, but were repulsed. General 
Bice was killed in the action. 

Barlow, in his retreat, repulsed an attack by Hetk’s rebel 
division, but losing one gun, which, being jammed among the 
trees in a narrow road, he could not withdraw. 

Late in the afternoon, Colonel Upton, with the Second 
Brigade of the First Division of the Sixth, and D. A. Bussell, 
in advance, with the Third Division, made a memorable and 
successful charge towards the close of the day. They sprang 
over the enemy’s works, took upwards of a thousand prison¬ 
ers and several cannon, and only ‘ retired,, being obliged to 
abandon the captured artillery, because they were so far in 
advance as to make the position perilous, and were not sup¬ 
ported by Mott on their left. Mott, however, succeeded in 
forming connection with the Ninth Corps, which had now 
moved to the left from the Fredericksburg road. 

Although the carnage had been so great as to make the 
losses on our side not far from ten thousand, and the rebels 
not much less, the battle was indecisive. Again had the rival 
generals divined each other’s purposes, and terrible shocks 
had been the result. Thus ended the first day of the battle 
of Spottsylvania Courthouse, and the troops rested on their 
arms, feeling sure that a struggle as desperate awaited them 
on the morrow, or, at least, at a very early time. 


ON TO RICHMOND. 


311 


The morning of Wednesday, the 11th, rose bright and clear, 
and the closeness of contact of the two armies caused des¬ 
ultory fighting at many points, but no general engagement. 
We had lost very heavily, probably at least thirty-five thou¬ 
sand men, since the beginning of the campaign ; but we had 
taken many prisoners, had inflicted terrible losses upon the 
enemy, and re-enforcements were rapidly pushing forward to 
us,—among the material of which, it is a significant fact that 
there were heavy artillery trains, designed for siege service at 
Richmond. 

What -General Grant thought of the military situation may 
be gathered from the following hopeful dispatch to the Secre¬ 
tary of War : 

Headquarters in the Field, May 11, 1864, 8 a. m. 

We have now ended the sixth day of very heavy fighting. The result, to 
this time, is much in our favor. 

Our losses have been heavy, as well as those of the enemy. I think the 
loss of the enemy must be greater. 

We have taken over five thousand prisoners by battle, while he has taken 
from us but few, except stragglers. 

I PROPOSE TO FIGHT IT OUT ON THIS LINE, IF IT TAKES ALL SUMMER. 

U. S- Grant, Lieutenant-General, 
Commanding the Armies of the United States. 


No words could tell the story better. The last sentence is 
one of those eloquent epigrams, unconsciously uttered, of 
which the people immediately took hold, and upon which the 
changes have been rung ever since. It spoke volumes. 

At eleven o’clock on Wednesday, it is said that General 
Lee sent a flag of truce to Grant, asking an armistice of forty- 
eight hours to bury the dead; and that Grant very properly 
returned an answer refusing it, and saying that he had no 
time to bury his own. We do not vouch for^tlie story ; but if 
it be true, it indicates Lee’s weakness, and Grant’s determina¬ 
tion of advance. 

On this day, having assured himself that the enemy’s left 
was so well guarded and so strong as to foil our attempts to 


312 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


crush it, arrangements were made by General Grant to attack 
his centre at a salient point. 

Wednesday, the second day of the battle, was passed in 
manoeuvring, reconnoitring, and desultory skirmishing. The 
enemy had strengthened his right and right centre with artil¬ 
lery, and it was evident that from that point he expected to 
make his strong counter-attack. But the prescience of Gen¬ 
eral Grant was not at fault. 

Bain fell during the afternoon, and under the cover of the 
heavy weather, Grant issued his orders to Hancock to leave 
his position in front of A. P. Hill, and, marching by the left 
flank, to take posts between the Sixth and Ninth corps, so as 
to be ready to attack in the morning. Hancock moved a little 
after midnight, favored by the storm and the darkness, to with¬ 
in twelve hundred yards of the enemy. Wright was directed 
to extend his left, to concentrate on that wing, and to be in 
readiness to assault. Warren was also to make a diversion¬ 
ary attack on the enemy’s left, in his front, in order to keep 
him engaged in his lines at that point; while Burnside, with 
the Ninth Corps, was ordered to assault vigorously on the ex¬ 
treme left. 


hancock’s feat of arms. 

The morning of Thursday, the 12th, dawned, enveloped in an 
auspicious fog of great denseness. The orders were given in 
silence. The Second Corps was formed in two lines. Bar- 
low, with the First Division, in two lines, occupied the 
centre, and Birney, with the Third Division, was on his 
right; the Second and Fourth, under Gibbon and Mott, 
formed the second line. The point of attack was a salient 
angle of earthworks, held by Johnson’s division of Ewell’s 
corps. Silently and unseen, the corps moved upon the 
unsuspecting enemy. They passed over the rugged and 
quite exposed space, the enthusiasm growing at every step, 
until, with a terrible charge, and a storm of cheers, they 
reached the enemy’s works, scaled them in front and flank, 



ON TO RICHMOND. 


313 


surprising tlie rebels at their breakfast, surrounding them, 
and capturing Edward Johnson’s entire division, with its 
general; two brigades of other troops, with their commander, 
Brigadier-General George H. Stuart; and thirty guns. The 
number of prisoners taken was between three and four 
thousand. It was the most decided success yet achieved 
during the campaign. "When Hancock heard that these gen¬ 
erals were taken, he directed that they should be brought to 
him. Offering his hand to Johnson, that officer was so 
affected as to shed tears, declaring that he would have pre¬ 
ferred death to captivity. He then extended his hand to 
Stuart, whom he had known before, saying, “ How are you, 
Stuart?” but the rebel, with great haughtiness, replied, “I 
am General Stuart, of the Confederate army; and, under 
present circumstances, I decline to take your hand.” Han¬ 
cock’s cool and dignified reply was : “ x4md under any other 
circumstances, general, I should not have offered it.” 

Hancock’s pencil dispatch to Grant, within an hour after 
the column of attack had been formed, was in these words : 
“ I have captured from thirty to forty guns. I have finished 
up Johnson, and am now going into Early.” Early, it will be 
remembered, also commanded a division of Ewell’s corps. 
A few of the foremost men then pushed upon the second 
line of rifle-pits, and, notwithstanding a desperate resistance, 
entered them, but were captured. But if the enemy had 
been surprised, he now made the most desperate efforts to 
recover his lost ground, and our success was not followed 
up. The Ninth Corps on the left, and the Sixth Corps 
on the right, were at once pushed forward to support Han¬ 
cock’s advance; while on the opposite side, Ewell was re¬ 
enforced by divisions from the corps of Hill and Longstreet. 
While the battle was thus concentrated on our left, Warren 
became hotly engaged on our right; but although he charged 
with great vigor and intrepidity, the enemy’s position in his 
front was found to be impregnable. Thus for three hours 
the fighting continued ; but although we resisted the desperate 

attacks of the enemy upon Hancock and Burnside, it was 

14 


314 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


evident that we could make no further advance. The ground 
was, in our front, swept by a storm of projectiles of every 
kind. The captured cannon, covered by the muskets of sharp¬ 
shooters on both sides, could not, for a long time, be secured 
by either; but we finally got off twenty pieces, and the remain¬ 
der were subsequently withdrawn by the enemy. At noon it 
began to rain. The Fifth Corps, leaving only a weak line of 
skirmishers, was moved to the left, as it was found that the 
enemy was continually massing his troops in the same direc¬ 
tion. Neither general was deceived for a moment, and our 
attempts to turn the enemy’s right, at once met by the rebel 
commander, were not successful. Charge and countercharge 
were made until nightfall, and the carnage was terrific. When, 
at length, night put an end to it, the armies had fought for four¬ 
teen hours, and the losses on either side numbered about eight 
thousand. The enemy fell back to a new defensive position, but 
the continuance of the storm, making the roads very heavy, 
for a time impeded rapid movement. Here we may pause for 
a moment to consider what had been accomplished. If we 
had not succeeded in entirely routing the enemy, as only the 
ignorant or the oversanguine had expected, the Army of the 
Potomac had covered itself anew with glory. The following 
order of General Meade epitomizes the work thus far 
achieved : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

May 13, 1864. 

Soldiers— The moment has arrived when your commanding general feels 
authorized to address you in terms of congratulation. 

For eight days and nights, almost without intermission, in rain and sun¬ 
shine, you have been gallantly fighting a desperate foe, in positions naturally 
strong, and rendered doubly so by intrenchments. 

You have compelled him to abandon his fortifications on the Rapidan, to 
retire and attempt to stop your onward progress; and now he has abandoned 
the last intrenched position so tenaciously held, suffering a loss in all of 
eighteen guns, twenty-two colors, and eight thousand prisoners, including two 
general officers. 

Your heroic deeds and noble endurance of fatigue and privations will ever 
be memorable. Let us return thanks to God for the mercy thus shown us, 
and ask earnestly for its continuation. 


ON TO RICHMOND. 


315 


Soldiers! your work is not yet over. Tlie enemy must be pursued, and, if 
possible, overcome. The courage and fortitude you have displayed renders 
your commanding general confident your future efforts will result in success. 

While we mourn the loss of many gallant comrades, let us remember the 
enemy must have suffered equal, if not greater losses. 

We shall soon receive re-enforcements, which he cannot expect. Let us 
determine to continue vigorously the work so well begun, and, under God’s 
blessing, in a short time the object of our labors will be accomplished. 

George G. Meade, 
Major-General commanding. 

Official, S. Williams, A. A. G. 

Approved, U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General, 

Commanding the Armies of the United States. 

We had now the prestige of advance, and the enemy 
had been constantly, although slowly and sullenly, falling 
back. Our losses had been very heavy, but had been 
fully made up by re-enforcements. They may be stated as 
follows: from the crossing of the Rapidan to May 12th— 
killed, two hundred and sixty-nine officers and three thousand 
and nineteen enlisted men; wounded, one thousand and sev¬ 
enteen officers, and eighteen thousand two hundred and sixty- 
one men; missing, one hundred and seventy-seven officers, 
and six thousand six hundred and sixty-seven men. Total, 
twenty-nine thousand four hundred and ten. On this account 
the rebels amused themselves by. giving Grant the cognomen 
of “butcher.” The name, however, is entirely misapplied. 
There never was a kinder or more considerate general; but 
the carnage in these first battles was an absolute, although 
painful, necessity. No man in that army thought otherwise 
then, and no one abated a jot of heart or hope ; and if the 
end crowns the work, even the rebels will now confess that 
Grant’s butchery finally slaughtered the rebellion, when noth¬ 
ing else would have done it. 

It was now Saturday, the 14th. The enemy still held on to 
Spottsylvania Courthouse, well intrenched in a semicircular 
line. Our army was closed upon him with a concentric em¬ 
brace, stretched at right angles across the Fredericksburg 
road. Finding him so strongly intrenched, Grant commenced 


316 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


to throw up rifle-pits for protection. The fighting on this day 
was desultory, and principally on the enemy’s right, which he 
was constantly in fear that we should turn. 

WHO RETREATS, GRANT OR LEE? 

t 

If, as General Meade’s order indicates, we were satisfied 
with our successes, the rebels were equally so with what they 
called their own. They asserted that “ what we represented 
as the retreat of General Lee towards Biclimond, was only a 
movement from a position abandoned by his adversary, to 
confront him across the new road which he was obliged to 
take.” “ In this sense,” says Pollard, “ it was Grant who was 
pursued.” Be it so, but it is very like the story of the man who 
caught a Tartar. General Lee is by no means so self-com¬ 
promising as this. It is true that in his General Order of May 
14, he announces to the army a series of successes ; but, in 
specifying them, he names the Yalley of Virginia, the attack 
upon Averill, the defeat of General Banks, the retreat of 
General Steele, and what he calls the repulse of the cavalry 

force under Sheridan. All that he has to sav of his own 

•/ 

action is this : The heroic valor of this army, with the 
blessing of Almighty God, has thus far checked the principal 
army of the enemy, and inflicted upon it terrible losses.” "We 
need not waste words nor torture language. Driven or led, 
or prompted by whatever motive, Lee’s army was moving 
southward towards Biclimond, constantly refusing its right 
flank, and being severely punished at every stand it made. 
It had been characteristic of the press on both sides, as well 
as of the early dispatches of rival generals, in most campaigns, 
to make out as fair a case, each for himself, and as dark a one 
for the enemy as possible. This is not right in the abstract, 
but before we entirely condemn it, we must remember the ele¬ 
ment of expediency. The people behind either army were 
eager and impressible, and the intelligence was often toned 
down or dressed up to suit them ; and besides, morally wrong 
as it is, the study of history shows us a universal military 


ON TO RICHMOND. 


317 


precedent for this. The truth follows slowly, and when we 
are prepared by slow degrees for the bad news. 

The desperate shocks which had been sustained by both 
armies, and the bad condition of the roads on account of the 
rains, made the suspension of hostilities necessary. The time 
was also spent in making provision for the wounded. As the 
direct route to Washington was beset by guerrillas, Freder¬ 
icksburg had been occupied as a depot. A large number of 
surgeons and agents of the Sanitary and Christian commis¬ 
sions had been sent down, and a route had been established 
by steamboats and gunboats, by way of Aquia Creek and 
Belle Plain, to Washington. It was now manifest, that if the 
army moved again to the south, Fredericksburg must be 
abandoned, and other points selected as depots ; first, on the 
Bappahannock, as at Port Boyal, and afterwards on the 
Pamunkey and York. 


THE LAND AHEAD. 

Let us now look for a moment at the principal features of 
the topography in front of Grant. Spottsylvania Courthouse 
lies between the Ny and the Po; further South are the Ta 
and the Mat rivers, and the four streams join near the rail¬ 
road, south of .Bowling Green, to form the Mattapony. 
These present inconsiderable military obstacles in themselves, 
but might be used by the enemy as natural intrenchments, 
while moving southward to New Market. Beyond that, the 
country becomes more difficult; the North and South Anna, 
with a hundred tributary creeks, present great obstacles. 
The Pamunkey, which they form by their junction, is an im¬ 
portant river-defence to the enemy; and still further south the 
Chickahominy is a strong line covering the approaches to 
Bichmond. To these difficulties is to be added the very 
desperate and gallant resistance offered by Lee’s army. 

In consideration of all these, it began to be demonstrated 
that Grant might be forced to pursue his alternated design, 


318 GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 

and continue to march alongside of the enemy by the left 
flank, between the Mattapony and the Pamunkey, and cross¬ 
ing the latter river out of his reach, confront him upon the 
. former battle-grounds of Cold Harbor and Gaines’ Mill. But 
Grant was loth to come to this determination without another 
trial of the enemy’s strength. Sending Torbert with the caval¬ 
ry eastward to Guiney’s Station, on the railroad, he massed his 
forces on the enemy’s left, on the night of the 17th, and pre¬ 
pared to assault in the morning. The attack was made with 
great gallantry upon Ewell’s corps, with the design of turning 
Lee’s left, but was not successful, and an admirable riposte 
was made by Ewell. On the afternoon of the 19th, he made a 
bold attempt to turn our right. That portion of oitr line was 
held by Tyler’s division, and Hitching’s brigade of heavy artil¬ 
lery, acting as infantry, most of whom were under fire for the 
first time. Ewell’s veterans came on at a charge, and drove 
them back to the cover of the w r oods ; but they held their re¬ 
tired position w r ith commendable bravery, until Birney came 
up with the Third Division of the Second Corps, in support. 
A vigorous charge of our combined forces drove the enemy 
from the field. Some of Warren’s troops that were on the ex¬ 
treme right participated in the success. 

A NEW FLANKING MOVEMENT. 

Convinced, by the nature and the point of the enemy’s at¬ 
tack, that he was making ready again to abandon his position, 
Grant at once issued orders for a new movement. At mid¬ 
night on the 20tli, the main body of the cavalry, which had 
been posted at Mattaponax, followed Torbert to Guiney’s 
Station, and advancing, drove the enemy’s cavalry away from 
Guiney’s Bridge and Downer’s Bridge, on the Po, both a 
short distance west of the railroad. Bowling Green was then 
occupied without a fight. But at Milford Station, on the rail¬ 
road, the enemy were drawn up, with artillery and rifle-pits, 
to contest the possession of the railroad-bridge across the 
Mattapony. At this point there had been concentrated quan- 


ON TO RICHMOND. 


319 


tities of stores for Lee’s army, which w r e might have captured. 
But spies and traitors in our camp had given timely informa¬ 
tion ; and although we flanked the enemy and drove him away 
precipitately, the stores were gone. This movement of our 
cavalry was designed to clear the way for the advance of the 
grand army by the left flank. Here we shall leave the direct 
advance for a short time, to consider the • collateral parts of 
the great programme. 


/ 



320 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


CHAPTER XXX. 

CO-OPERATING MOVEMENTS. 


Sheridan’s raid.—The battle of Yellow Tavern.— J. E. B. Stuart killed.— 
The raiders reach the James.—Fortunes or Sigel.—Defeated by Breckin¬ 
ridge.—Butler’s movements.— His dispatch.—Beauregard’s attack.—Her¬ 
metically sealed.—Kautz’s raid.—Stanton’s dispatch.—Butler’s failure.— 
How THE WANT OF CO-OPERATION AFFECTED GRANT. 


The co-operating movements which Grant had, as we have 
seen, so skilfully and carefully prearranged, claim a place in 
the history, not only as parts, although subordinate, of the 
great campaign, but also, and especially, because they display 
new traits of genius and skill on the part of the great com¬ 
mander. The failure of some of these caused him to alter his 
plans under the pressure of circumstances, and gave him a 
thousandfold additional trouble. The first that we shall con¬ 
sider, because it was made by a portion of the Army of the 
Potomac, and may be considered indeed a part of its move¬ 
ment, is the very successful, well-conducted cavalry raid of 
General Sheridan, to aid our advance by cutting Lee ? s com¬ 
munications with Richmond. 

# • 


SHERIDANS RAID. 

This gallant and self-confident general moved from Spott- 
sylvania at daylight on Monday, the 9th of May, with portions 
of the three divisions of his corps,—General Merrit, with the 
First Division, leading; General Wilson, with the Third, in 
the centre; and General Gregg, with the Second, bringing up 
the rear. His first direction, to deceive the enemy, was 


CO-OPERATING MOVEMENTS. 


321 

towards Fredericksburg; but when witliin three miles of that 
city, he turned southward, passed rapidly along the enemy’s 
right flank, chiefly by the Niggerfoot road, to Child’s Ford, 
and thence to the crossing of the North Anna by Anderson’s 
Bridge. He captured the Beaver Dam Station on the Central 
Bailroad, destroyed two locomotives, three trains of cars, ten 
miles of the railroad track, and one million five hundred thou¬ 
sand rations. Here also he recaptured four hundred of our 
men who had been captured in the recent battles, and were 
being taken to the horrors of the Libby prison at [Richmond. 
With our later knowledge of the atrocities committed in the 
rebel prisons, this latter alone was a sufficient achievement, 
had nothing else been done. At the Beaver Dam Station they 
were violently attacked by the enemy in flank and rear, and 
met with some inconsiderable losses, but their advance was 
not long impeded. 

On Wednesday morning, the 11th, Sheridan marched to the 
crossing of the South Anna River at Ground Squirrel Bridge, 
and sent one brigade, under General Davies, to Ashland Sta¬ 
tion on the railroad. There Davies burned the depot, de¬ 
stroyed sis miles of the track, with the culverts and army 
bridges, and returned unscathed to the main body, which had 
been pursuing its march southward. 

Hearing that the enemy’s cavalry was in force at Yellow 
Tavern, Sheridan advanced boldly, by the way of Glenallen 
Station, to meet him. Here he crossed swords with the re¬ 
doubtable General J. E. B. Stuart, and drove him away with 
loss. Stuart, no less anxious for battle than Sheridan, opened 
the fight, by attacking our advanced brigade, under Devens, 
which might have been overpowered had it not been promptly 
supported by the brigades of Custer, Gill, and Wilson. The 
greatest loss to the enemy, and a corresponding advantage to 
us, was found in the fact that General Stuart was mortally 
wounded in this action. This officer was perhaps the best 
cavalry general in the rebel service. A graduate of West 
Point in the class of 1854, he had resigned his commission in 
the United States army to join the rebel cause; and being 


322 


GRANT AND HTS CAMPAIGNS. 


constantly engaged in Virginia, had greatly distinguished him¬ 
self in many battles, and particularly in bold raids on the 
flanks and rear of our army. He had now met more than his 
match as a raider, and his death at the hands of a raiding 
party. A man of such skill and untiring energy should have 
fallen in a better cause. 

Pursuing his advantage gained at Yellow Tavern, Sheridan 
made a bold dash upon the outer defences of Richmond. 
Having gained the Brook Pike, which lay west of the Yellow 
Tavern, he charged across the Brook creek or river against 
the first line, which he carried, Custer’s brigade even captur¬ 
ing a section of artillery and a hundred prisoners. Finding 
the second line too strong, and thoroughly commanded by 
redoubts and bastioned works, and the enemy’s troops rally¬ 
ing to the defence, Sheridan recrossed his advanced troops, 
and retired rapidly to the passage of the Chickahominy at 
Meadow Bridge. To cut off his retreat, he found that the en¬ 
emy had partially destroyed the bridge, and had commanded 
the ruins by a force of infantry from Richmond. He rebuilt 
it hastily under a galling fire, and then detaching a force to 
watch the enemy on his right flank, he moved rapidly through 
Mechanicsville, by a slight detour through Cold Harbor, to a 
second crossing of the Chickahominy at Bottom’s Bridge. 
After crossing he destroyed the bridge, and proceeded to Tur¬ 
key Bend, where he communicated by messenger with General 
Butler. His weary troopers reached Haxall’s, on the James, 
on the 14th of May. 

As compared with the encounters of large armies, the terri¬ 
ble shocks of battle, in which thousands fall, such exploits as 
this of Sheridan’s bold riders are for the time eclipsed ; but 
this expedition, conducted with rare address and dashing 
valor, produced moral effects upon the enemy which cannot 
be ignored. It is, besides, one of the beautiful and logical 
steps in the progress of Sheridan’s reputation, which found 
its acme of glory in the last days of the great war. 


CO-OPERATING MOVEMENTS. 


323 


THE FORTUNES OF SIGEL. 

In accordance with the precise instructions from General* 
Grant, to which we have already referred, Sigel’s movements 
in the Valley and in Western Virginia were commenced on 
the 1st of May. 

He confided the immediate command of the Kanawha expe¬ 
dition to General George Crook, who divided his forces into 
two columns, one of which was under General W. W. Averill. 
Both columns, starting from Charleston, on the Kanawha, 
crossed the mountains by separate routes. Without attempt¬ 
ing to present the details of their march, it is sufficient to our 
purpose to know that the column under Averill struck the 
Tennessee and Virginia Railroad, near Wytlieville, on the 
10th, and then moved, not unimpeded by the enemy, to New 
River and Christianburg. Averill destroyed the New River 
Bridge, skilfully eluded the gathering forces of the enemy, but 
did not succeed in destroying the lead-mines. He joined 
Crook at Union, in Monroe County, on the 15th. 

Crook, leaving Charleston on the same day, with three bri¬ 
gades, advanced rapidly, with the purpose of striking the rail¬ 
road at Dublin Station, between Wytheville and New River. 
Fighting the enemy, as he marched southward, at Frincetown, 
and near the southwestern base of Lloyd’s Mountain, he ad¬ 
vanced to the railroad, drove them through Dublin, and de¬ 
stroyed the railroad effectually, southwestward as far as New- 
berne. A large force of the enemy now appearing, he did not 
attempt to advance upon Lynchburg, but marched northward 
to Meadow Bluff, in Greenbrier County. This double expe¬ 
dition, although it had frightened the enemy and drawn off 
his troops, had not succeeded as a co-operating column. 

Let us now turn to Sigel. This officer, in accordance with 
his instructions, had moved with a force not far short of eight 
thousand men, up the Shenandoah Valley, as far as Newmar¬ 
ket, a town near the Manassas Gap Railroad, about fifty miles 
from Winchester, and midway between Mount Jackson and 
Harrisonburg. To meet him and contest his advance, the 


324 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


rebel General Breckinridge had been sent by Lee to gather up 
all the forces he could hastily collect, and, leaving Jenkins and 
McCausland to resist the advance of Crook and Averill, to fall 
upon and beat Sigel. Could Sigel succeed in beating him, 
and make a triumphant advance upon Staunton, and then 
strike right or left at Lynchburg* or Gordonsville, the as¬ 
sistance to Grant would have been of incalculable value. But 
he was very far from such success. He made an entire fail¬ 
ure, in part due to himself—that is, as far as concerned the 
battle which he fought with Breckinridge ; and in part, as far 
as all further movements were concerned, to the want of co¬ 
operation in Crook’s force. 

On the 15th of May the armies of Sigel and Breckinridge 
met in the shock of battle; and although the enemy lost 
greatly, Sigel was driven back and entirely defeated, losing a 
portion of his train, six guns, and one thousand prisoners, and 
abandoning his hospitals. He retired behind Cedar Creek. 
Thus one part, and an important one, of General Grant’s com¬ 
plex plan had been shipwrecked, and the rebel forces which 
had opposed the columns of Sigel came back, with all the 
prestige of victory, to swell Lee’s forces, and make the work 
of the army of the Potomac still more difficult. 

Without loss of time, at the request of Grant, Sigel was re¬ 
lieved, and General David Hunter placed in command. We 
shall allude to the part he played, a little later in the nar¬ 
rative. 

It is time now to examine the co-operating movements of 
Butler; for upon these Grant had placed a still stronger de¬ 
pendence. 


butler’s movements. 

Butler’s force consisted of the Eighteenth Army Corps, 
commanded by General W. F. Smith, and the Tenth, com¬ 
manded by General Quincy A. Gillmore. The former of these 
generals was held in great repute for his gallant services in 
the Army of the Potomac, when under McClellan and Burn- 


CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENTS. 


325 


side, and for his skilful and rapid engineering at Chattanooga. 
The latter had gained great renown by his magnificent ap¬ 
proaches on Morris Island, and his matchless artillery practice 
against the city of Charleston. 

At the opening of the campaign, Butler’s army was concen¬ 
trated at Yorktown and Gloucester, apparently threatening to 
move upon Bichmond upon the old track of General McClel¬ 
lan. To give color to this view, a cavalry force, eighteen hun¬ 
dred strong, was sent to West Point, at the head of the river, 
but with the real design of marching across the country and 
joining the main body when it should have gained a foothold 
on the James Biver. 

On the 4th of May, Butler embarked his forces on trans¬ 
ports, but did not move until after dark, when he went rapidly 
down the York and up the James, unobserved by the enemy. 
Leaving one brigade of colored troops at Wilson’s wharf, un¬ 
der General Wild, two regiments at Fort Powhatan, and 
Hink’s division at City Point, he landed the main body at Ber¬ 
muda Hundred, a very strong position on the south bank of 
the James, in the bend of the river, three miles above the 
mouth of the Appomattox. Here he rapidly intrenched him¬ 
self, and the navy gunboats were placed to guard the flanks. 
Bermuda Hundred, which has become so famous a name in 
the history of the campaign, was not a town, but, when he oc¬ 
cupied it, boasted ten or twelve old-fashioned houses, and a 
few negro cabins. 

When he was ready to start from Yorktown, he had also 
sent General Kautz, with a cavalry force, to operate on the 
railroads south of Petersburg and Bichmond. 

Thus far the expedition, cleverly conducted, had been a 
complete surprise to the enemy. We had gained a most val¬ 
uable point south of Bichmond; and could our troops have 
been at once pressed forward in full force, great things might 
have been effected. 

The 6th of May was spent in making reconnoissances, and 
on the 7th, General Brooks, with five brigades, was sent to 
destroy the railroad between Bichmond and Petersburg. After 


326 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


considerable fighting, this force succeeded in destroying a 
railroad-bridge about seven miles north of Petersburg, and 
tearing up a portion of the track; but the enemy, sagacious 
and rapid, and now thoroughly alive to the condition of things, 
sent a heavy force, and our troops were compelled to retire. 
Little had been gained. Again a day intervened, and on the 
9tli, Butler dispatched three divisions of the Tenth Army 
Corps, and two of the Eighteenth, for a more thorough 
destruction of the railroad. This force was successful in 
destroying the track; but after a night battle, in which they 
suffered terribly, they were compelled to fall back to their 
original position. General Butler’s dispatch to Secretary 
Stanton, on the 9th, epitomizes his successes in far too 
decided and hopeful a vein. We give some of the para¬ 
graphs : 

“ General Kautz, with three thousand cavalry from Suffolk, 
on the same day with our movements up the James Paver, 
forced the Blackwater, burnt the railroad-bridge at Stony 
Creek, below Petersburg, cutting in two Beauregard’s force at 
that point. 

“ We have landed here, intrenched ourselves, destroyed 
many miles of railroad, and got a position which, with proper 
supplies, we can hold against the whole of Lee’s army. I 
have ordered up the supplies. 

“ Beauregard, with a large portion of his force, was left 
south by the cutting of the railroads by Kautz. 

“ That portion which reached Petersburg, under Hill, I have 
whipped to-day, killing and wounding many, and taking many 
prisoners, after a severe and well-contested fight. 

“ General Grant will not be troubled with any further re¬ 
enforcements to Lee from Beauregard’s force.” 

This dispatch needs no comment. Those who follow the 
narrative will be astonished to find how much General Butler 
was deceived at this time. But the fighting was not over. 
These troops of Beauregard were to trouble both Butler and 
Grant. Indeed, the evening of the very day upon which this 
dispatch was written must have opened his eyes. More time 


CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENTS. 


327 


was lost in resting the troops which were driven hack on the 
night of the 9tli; and on the morning of Thursday, the 12th, 
Smith and Gillmore again moved forward, advancing their 
corps to the railroad and northward—Gillmore towards Chester 
Station, and Smith by the right, along the river-bank, towards 
Drury’s Bluff and Fort Darling’ This movement, vigorously 
conducted, promised to make all right again. Crossing the 
railroad, Gillmore advanced towards Chesterfield Courthouse, 
and then diverging to the right, joined Smith, against whom, 
it was evident, the enemy was now massing his troops. Still 
advancing, they encountered an outer line of intrencliments, 
running across the railroad to the river. 

On the evening of the 13th, and the morning of the 14tli, 
Gillmore carried the first line in his front with .comparatively 
small loss, and General Smith the first line on the right; and 
the enemy retired to his second and stronger line. 

While manoeuvring to attack the interior redoubts, which 
commanded the outer line, Butler received, in battle form, the 
true story of Beauregard’s appearance. That general had 
collected the loose forces in North and South Carolina, and, 
but little impeded by Kautz’s gallant raid, had come up to 
take command of the forces and country south and east of 
Richmond, against Butler. 

Beauregard’s attack. 

On the morning of the 16th, under cover of a thick fog, he 
made a violent onslaught on our advanced troops. First 
attacking the extreme right, held by Heckman’s brigade, 
Weitzel’s division, Eighteenth Corps, he drives it back, and 
captures its commander. Moving by the turnpike, another 
force drives Ashley’s battery from the field, but. he saves 
his guns. Smith’s troops behave with the greatest gallantry; 
but the rebels attack his line at all points, only making feints 
upon Gillmore, who forms the left. Smith’s corps is pressed 
back. Gillmore sustains the charges now directed upon him, 
and even moves to flank the rebel attack upon Smith, when 


328 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


orders come up from General Butler to fall Lack. He Las lost 
three thousand men; and in spite of great gallantry on the 
part of generals and men, he finds his army hermetically 
sealed in Bermuda Hundred, by intrenchments of the enemy 
close and parallel to our own. He can hold it with a cor¬ 
poral’s guard; but troops there are of no earthly use to 
Grant: they must be withdrawn and employed elsewhere. 

EAUTZ’S RAID. 

Kautz makes another splendid raid; but it is now, as the 
French have it, apropos de rien : it has no bearing on Butler’s 
plans. In itself, however, it deserves special commendation. 
Starting again on the 12th (he had only returned from the 
former raid on the 8th), he moved against the Danville Bail- 
road. He first struck it, not far from Bichmond, at Coalfield 
Station; thence following the track, he reached Powhatan, 
and, crossing the Appomattox, he came to Chola. At these 
points he burned the depots, tore up the track, and destroyed 
two freight-trains, one locomotive, and a quantity of stores. 
Losing no time, he then pushed down the river by Goodes’ 
Bridge and Devil’s Bridge, and then southward to Wilson’s 
Station, on the Southside road. This station, as well as those 
at Welville and Black-and-White, he destroyed ; and then he 
made his way through Laurenceville and Jonesboro’ to Jar- 
rett’s Station, on the Weldon road, and thence to City Point, 
which he reached on the 17th. 

On the same day, General Butler telegraphed to Washing¬ 
ton the success of Kautz’s expedition ; but either he was not 
communicative in regard to the condition of affairs within his 
own fines, or Mr. Secretary Stanton thought it prudent to 
withhold the information. The dispatch to which we refer is 
as follows: 

Wak Department, Washington, May 17—9 p. m. 

Major-General Dix : 

Dispatches from General Butler, just received, report the success of his 
expedition under General Kautz, to cut the Danville road, and destroy the iron 
bridge across the Appomattox. 


CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENTS. 


829 


On Monday morning, tlie enemy in force, under cover of a thick fog, made 
an attack upon Smith’s line, and forced it hack in some confusion, and with 
considerable loss. But as soon as the fog lifted, General Smith re-established « 
his lines, and the enemy was driven back to his original lines. 

At the same time, the enemy made an attack, from Petersburg, on General 
Butler’s forces guarding the rear, but were handsomely repulsed. 

The troops having been on incessant duty for five days, three of which were 
in a rain-storm, General Butler retired leisurely within his own lines. We hold 
the railroad between Petersburg and Richmond. 

Persons state that Bragg and Davis were present on the field. 

Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War. 

No amount of elegant euphemism can conceal the fact, that 
whatever the causes, the movements south of [Richmond had 
ended in lamentable failure—a failure not due to want of 
good intentions, nor to lack of energy, but apparently to a 
want of military savoir faire. According to that simple defi¬ 
nition of strategy, “ the art of directing masses against 
decisive points,” or “ masses against fragments,” he had 
failed at the outset of the campaign, by dividing and detach¬ 
ing forces, instead of moving his whole force. Instead of 
moving at once, valuable time was lost in these detached 
movements. His army was badly handled. He assumed a 
weak offensive, indicating a want of military knowledge and 
experience ; and a bitter, brave, and exasperated enemy, v T ho 
was deficient in neither, turned the tables upon him by taking a 
strong offensive, beat him, followed him to his intrencliments, 
and hemmed him in so closely, that he was fain, wdiile protected 
by the gunboats, to hurry his own defences to completion. 

Grant was indeed beset, not simply by rebel armies, led by 
skilful and brave generals, but by Federal failures;—Sigel 
defeated in the west, and Breckinridge re-enforcing Lee with 
about fifteen thousand men; Butler defeated at the south, 
and Beauregard free to send Lee a great part of his troops. 
It was necessary for him to modify, without materially alter¬ 
ing, his plans ; and he moved with the Army of the Potomac, 
to try an alternative thought of at the beginning—the cross¬ 
ing of the James, and the union of the armies under his own 
eye and command. 



330 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

FROM SPOTTSYLVANIA TO THE CHICKAHOMINY. 

The corps move.—Re-enforcements.—Losses from May 12 to 21. — On the North 
Anna.—Withdrawn. — Sheridan’s return.—Crossing of the Pamunkey.— 
Change of base.—Sheridan holds Cold Harbor.—Losses from May 21 to 
31. — W. F. Smith detached from Butler.—The battles of Cold Harbor. 
—The crossing of the Chickahominy. 


Let us now return to the Army of the Potomac, with which 
Grant had his headquarters, and which, when we left it, was 
preparing to follow its cavalry advance, under Torbert, march¬ 
ing by the left flank to its new destination, and to carry out 
plans modified for the reasons presented above. Hancock’s 
(Second) corps moved silently, at midnight of the 20th, from 
its position on the Xy, near the courthouse, and marching by 
the left, in the track of the cavalry, to Bowling Green, crossed 
the Mattapony at Milford Bridge, which Torbert had wrested 
from the enemy, capturing one hundred prisoners. Long- 
street’s corps moved up by a parallel road, as before from tho 
wilderness to Spottsylvania. 

At daylight on the morning of the 21st, Warren, with the 
Fifth Corps, pushed after Hancock, in connecting distance, ' 
driving away that portion of the enemy’s force which was 
again clustering around Milford Bridge. In this new order 
of movement from right to left, the whole army was put in 
motion during the day. But to cover the operation, Burn¬ 
side, before he moved with the Ninth Corps, threw out Ledlie’s 
brigade in a strong skirmish line, thus making a demonstra- 


FROM SPOTTSTLVANIA TO THE CIIICKAHOMINT. 


331 


tion to retain the enemy in position. He then withdrew his 
corps after nightfall, and by a roundabout march, rendered so 
by small bodies of the enemy which obstructed his direct 
advance, he arrived at Bowling Green at four o’clock on the 
afternoon of the 22d. The next morning he joined the 
advanced corps at Milford Station. 

The Sixth Corps, under Wright, also left its place in line on 
the evening of the 21st; and while retiring from Spottsyl- 
vania, it was attacked by Hill in force, and with great desper¬ 
ation, but the assault was handsomely repelled by Bussell’s 
division, and the further march unmolested. 

The enemy, entirely acquainted with our movements, was 
never for a moment irresolute. At one o’clock on Friday 
night, not more than an hour and a half after Hancock had 
moved, Longstreet’s corps was in position to contest its ad¬ 
vance and block its further progress. 

Meantime, re-enforcements of men, cavalry horses, and sup¬ 
plies were pouring down to Grant’s army, and preparations 
were busily made for the new depots that were hereafter to 
supply him. Our losses, from the 12th of May to the 21st, 
were as follows : Killed, one hundred and fourteen officers, 
alid two thousand and thirty-two enlisted men ; wounded, two 
hundred and fifty-nine officers, and seven thousand six hun¬ 
dred and ninety-seven men ; missing, thirty-one officers, and 
two hundred and forty-eight men ;—total, ten thousand three 
hundred and eighty-one. 

The powers of the lieutenant-general were now most severely 
taxed and tested in the manoeuvring of a very large army, in 
an extremely difficult and thoroughly hostile country, and in 
the face of a desperate enemy, fighting for the salvation of his 
capital, and, with it, for the very life of his cause. In the 
flanking movements which he had inaugurated, and in which 
he must now persist until he should take more permanent 
ground south of Bichmond, Grant’s flank was constantly 
exposed. His troops must be kept well together ; and he must 
be always ready to form in line of battle, to receive the 
enemy’s attacks. 


332 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


It was now tlie morning of the 22d of May, and the entire 
army—less the corps of Burnside, which was still en route — 
had reached the banks of the North Anna, and were thus dis¬ 
posed : The Fifth Corps was near Jericho Mills, with the 
Second on its left, reaching to the railroad, and covering Tay¬ 
lor’s Bridge, and the Sixth in rear and reserve. 

The North Anna has in that vicinity three important fords— 
Island, Jericho, and Chesterfield or Taylor’s Bridge fords. 
About two or three hundred yards in front (i. e., north) of Tay¬ 
lor’s, is Long Creek, a small run parallel to the river. The 
ground between forms a little peninsula, occupied by the 
Second Corps. The bridge-head in their front was a redan, 
with its faces touching the river, and protected by batteries 
and rifle-pits on the southern bank. At this bridge the 
„ enemy made a determined stand. Hancock at once made his 
dispositions to drive them away and gain the bridge. The 
works were carried in the evening by a portion of Birney’s 
division ; and, during the night, one end was held by the 
enemy and one by our men. All their attempts to fire the 
bridge were frustrated. In the morning, Hancock dashed on, 
carried the bridge, and captured a few prisoners who were too 
slow in retiring. 

Meeting at first no considerable force in his front, he laid 
a ponton, and then marched out to find them. They were 
not far distant. First he encountered a strong skirmish line, 
and then was assaulted by the main body, who succeeded for 
a short time in driving him back; but, massing his troops, he 
advanced in turn, drove them away, and captured a thousand 
prisoners. 


ON THE NORTH ANNA. 

It Was nightfall on the 22d before Burnside came up, and 
after some skirmishing with the enemy at Oxford, took post, 
on both banks, between Hancock and Warren. Wright, with 
the Sixth Corps, marched to take position on the right of 
Warren; and thus they lay for the two following days, to 


FROM SPOTTSYLYANIA TO THE CHICKAHOMINY. 333 

await tlie enemy’s movements. This space of time served to 
develop tlie fact that the enemy was still strongly in our 
front, posted in a wedge form, with the angle or apex point¬ 
ing to the space between Hancock and Warren. He was 
thus threatening our weak point, and cutting the communi¬ 
cation. 

It may be well to state the positions a little more mi¬ 
nutely. The Sixth Corps was on the south side, on our right, 
crossing the Central Railroad, and extending to Little River. 
Next on its left, and all south of the river, was the Fifth 
Corps. To the left of it was only a portion of Burnside’s 
corps (one division), the rest being on the north bank. Han¬ 
cock, with the Second, occupied the left, having two divisions 
on the south bank, and one on the north. 

General Lee had thrown back his right to the Hanover 
marshes, and his left at about the same angle from the 
river. On one side of this wedge, thus formed by his troops, 
lay the Second Corps and Potter’s division of the Ninth; 
and on the other were the Fifth and Sixth Corps. The 
apex of the wedge rested upon the river. Lee deserves 
great credit for the formation in this position. It was skil¬ 
ful and timely. At the same time he threatened our line in 
front of Burnside, while secure from our attacks. We were, 
therefore, in a very disadvantageous position. Hancock’s 
corps was abreast one face of the wedge ; Warren’s and 
Wright’s corps were abreast the other face. Now, when 
Burnside attempted to throw his command across the North 
Anna at a transit intermediate between the points of passage 
of Hancock and Warren, his advance division, under General 
Crittenden, suffered very severely in the operation. Moreover, 
when Warren attempted to extend his line by sending down 
Crawford’s division from the right to connect with Crittenden, 
this force also was assailed, and with considerable difficulty 
made its way back. Then the Confederates interposing, cut 
off connection between Hancock’s and Warren’s corps, and 
therefore between the two wings of the army. We could 
hope little from an attack in front; and should the North 


334 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Anna become suddenly swollen by rains, tlie position was 
perilous in tlie extreme. Thus reasoned the lieutenant-gen¬ 
eral. As soon as full information was received, he had recourse 
to his flanking tactics. He directed Warren and Wright to 
make a demonstration in their front, threatening the enemy’s 
left; and he sent Wilson, with a cavalry force, to destroy the 
Central Railroad thoroughly. Under cover of these opera¬ 
tions, he prepared for the new movement by the left. Thus 
the 24th, 25th, and 26th of May were spent on the North 
Anna. 

The corps were withdrawn, rapidly and secretly, one af¬ 
ter the other, beginning on our right. Only a strong skir¬ 
mish line was left to engage the enemy’s attention; and then, 
on Thursday evening, the 26th, the Sixth Corps, recrossing 
the river, took up its line of march, followed by the Fifth, 
Ninth, and Second. Thus again the enemy was compelled to 
abandon his strong position, and move, pari passu, with our 
army; while Grant steadily pushed down towards Richmond, 
without uncovering Washington, at least to any considerable 
advance of the enemy, for a single day. 

sheridan’s return. 

The cavalry expedition of Sheridan, to which we have 
already referred, after remaining three days at Haxall’s to refit 
and supply, had started on its return march on the 17th of 
May. On the 18tli he was at Baltimore Cross-roads, south of 
the Pamunkey, near White House. On the 21st, a party 
destroyed two bridges and a long stretch of railroad-track, not 
far from Hanover Courthouse. Striking out in every direc¬ 
tion, he encountered and drove a party of the enemy’s cavalry 
across the Cliickaliominy, on the same day ; and on the 23d 
he crossed the Pamunkey at White House. On the 25tli he 
reached Milford, and joined the Army of the Potomac. A 
two-edged sword, his march southward had cut the enemy’s 
communications, while his return march prepared the way for 
the southern movement of our army. 


FROM SPOTTSYLVANIA TO THE CHICKAITOMINY. 


He was not allowed for a moment to rest. On tlie night of 
the 26th he moved, with two cavalry divisions and Russell’s 
infantry division of the Sixth Corps, down the Pamunkey; 
and by noon of Friday, the 27th, he had seized the ferry 
crossing at Hanovertown, and thrown a ponton-bridge across. 
This ferry is only fifteen miles from Richmond. 

The problem now was to put the whole army across, aban¬ 
doning all northern bases. In anticipation of this, a large 
quantity of supplies had been sent by transports, around by 
way of West Point, to White House on the Pamunkey. It 
was just two years, within ten days, since the White House 
had been the headquarters of General McClellan, who, respect¬ 
ing it as formerly the property of Washington, had refused to 
occupy it, but had planted his tent in a neighboring meadow. 
But the ruthless spirit of war is no respecter of persons or 
property, and it was afterwards used, like other buildings, as a 
military depot. 

The crossing of the Pamunkey by the Grand Army occu¬ 
pied the 27tli and 28th of May. The Fifth and Ninth corps 
crossed at Hanover Ferry, while the Second and Sixth made 
the passage at Huntley’s Ford, above. 

The change of base thus effected gave the enemy great con¬ 
cern, although they affected to indulge in some ribald pleas¬ 
antries on the occasion. Grant had, after all his terrible losses, 
only come upon McClellan’s old ground, without accomplish¬ 
ing. any thing but “ butchery.” But behind this was an ill- 
concealed tremor. The army that had driven them down in 
jspite of all their efforts—that had inflicted terrible losses upon 
them—was, by one means or another, slowly but surely 
approaching Richmond, and evidently intended to continue 
fighting to the end. A long way from the old bases, they had 
established new ones. Although the troops were worn and 
harassed, they were equal to the emergency. The weather 
was beautiful. The jesters about the change of base wished 
Grant much further off. The country, too, was satisfied. If 
he was to take Richmond, he must go to it, and he was always 
on the direct road. 


836 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Our scouts having reported tliat Breckinridge was near 
Hanover Courthouse, on our right, with five thousand in¬ 
fantry and Wickham and Lomax’s brigades of cavalry, a 
reconnoitring force was sent in that direction to check their 
advance, while we steadily moved southward. In this move¬ 
ment, the advance of Sheridan’s cavalry, proceeding towards 
Mechanicsville, encountered the enemy at Hawe’s shop, near 
the crossing of the Tolopotomy, after a severe conflict, in 
which he lost four hundred men, drove them back, and held 
the crossing until they were relieved by the Second Corps, 
which came up rapidly for the purpose. 

The 29th was Sunday. Our army was entirely across the 
river and three miles beyond; and Grant, having discovered 
the positions and forces of the enemy, now made his disposi¬ 
tions to meet them. Lee’s army was now more than ever 
specially arranged for the defence of Bichmond. In a general 
way, his line may be described as forming a concave towards 
ours. His right was extended beyond Shady Grove and 
Mechanicsville ; his centre covered Atley’s Station, on the 
railroad ; while his left stretched in the direction of Hanover 
Courthouse. His army, on the alert, was prepared to follow' 
every motion of ours. 

On Monday, the 30th, the Army of the Potomac was thus 
disposed : Hancock having been pushed forward, relieving 
Sheridan, on the road from Hawe’s shop, towards Atley’s 
Station, pushed the enemy across the Tolopotomy, and occu¬ 
pied the centre. Warren having advanced, skirmishing with 
the enemy on the road to Shady Grove Church, formed the 
left. Wright, who had been ordered up on the right of Han¬ 
cock, had for a short time occupied Hanover Courthouse, but 
closing down to his left, now formed the right wing. But on 
the 30tli, the Ninth Corps, which had been in rear of our left, 
moved into the space between Hancock and Warren, and 
pushed out on the road towards Pole Green Church. One 
division of cavalry, under Wilson, covered our right and rear, 
while those of Torbert and Gregg were moving in front of the 
left—the pickets well thrown out on the Cold Harbor road. 


FKOM SPOTTSYLVANIA TO THE CHICKAHOMINY. 337 


Thus, with all its antennae feeling for the enemy, the army 
slowly advanced. 

CAVALRY 



At two P. M. of the 30tli, the cavalry pickets on onr left, 
which were advancing by the Cold Harbor road, were driven 
in, and Warren—whose advance, gradually moving to the left, 
was then near Betliesda Church—was violently attacked by a 
division of Ewell’s corps, at about five o’clock. His left flank 
was for a time endangered by the vigor of the enemy’s assault; 
but by the timely arrival of Crawford’s division, the enemy 
was repulsed, and then driven back by a road parallel to the 
Cold Harbor road. As soon as General Meade heard of the 
enemy’s assault upon Warren, he issued orders for an attack 
along the whole line, in order to turn the brunt from Warren; 
but most of the corps commanders did not receive the order 
in time. Hancock, however, did, and with most commendable 
promptitude he advanced Barlow to the attack, drove away 
the enemy’s skirmishers, captured /their rifle-pits, and held 
them all night. A reconnoissance found Lee in a strong line 
covering the approaches to the Cliickahominy. 

We pause for a moment to give a summary of our losses, 
from the time of taking position on the North Anna to the eve 
of the engagement at Cold Harbor,— i. e., from the 21st to the 
31st of May. They had been trifling in comparison with our 
former losses: Killed, twelve officers, and one hundred and 
thirty-three enlisted men ; wounded, sixty-seven officers, and 
one thousand and sixty-three men ; missing, three officers, 
and three hundred and twenty-four men ;—total, one thousand 
six hundred and seven. 



338 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


As it was now manifest to Grant that Butler had a much 
greater number of troops than he could use, he was directed 
to send to the army with Grant all the surplus troops forming 
the Eighteenth Corps, 16,000 strong under W. E. Smith. 
This corps having taken transports at City Point, had moved 
down the James and up the York and Pamunkey rivers to 
White House. Grant’s headquarters during the 31st were at 
a point five miles southeast of Hanover Courthouse, where 
he could best direct the momentous operations upon which he 
was now to enter. Preparatory to these, Wilson w~as dis¬ 
patched with a cavalry division to Hanover Junction, to 
destroy the track and the railroad-bridge over the Anna, and 
thus prevent Lee from detaching troops northward, if he 
should be inclined to do so. This Wilson effected completely, 
defeating and driving away a force of the enemy’s cavalry 
which had been sent to prevent it. 

To check our direct advance—to cover the Chickahominy, 
Eiehmond, and the Virginia Central Railroad near the city— 
the corps of Ewell, Longstreet, and Hill were drawn up in line 
parallel to our front, and their cavalry was posted en vedette, 
on both flanks, as far as Hanover Courthouse on their left, 
and Bottom’s Bridge on their right,—a long line in observation, 
soon to be broken up and move in accordance with our move¬ 
ments. Still intending to move by the left flank, Grant now 
directed Sheridan to push forward to Cold Harbor, a point 
which it was important to secure before moving his whole 
army to the left. Sheridan moved forward rapidly, Torbert’s 
division in advance, and seized the convergence of the roads ; 
but no sooner had he done so, than the enemy, equally im¬ 
pressed with the value of the position,* came upon him with 
overwhelming numbers. Sheridan sent word back that he 
was hard pressed, but was directed to maintain the position at 


* Grant had secured a position, the importance of which was that it was 
the point of convergence of all the roads, radiating, whether to Richmond (his 
objective point), or to White House (his base of supplies).—Pollard, “ Third 
Year of the War,” p. 270. 



FROM SPOTTS YLV AN IA TO THE CIIICKAHOMINY. 339 

all hazards, until he could be relieved bj the infantry. The 
contest was unequal and very severe, but this gallant officer 
held on with a tenacious grasp which the enemy could not 
shake off, for the space of twenty-four hours ; when the arrival 
of the Sixth Corps, under Wright, and W. F. Smith’s Eigh¬ 
teenth corps, from the White House, relieved him from his 
peril. Hoke’s division had been hurled upon him twice to 
drive him out, but in vain. Wright came up on the afternoon 
of June 1st, and, immediately proceeding to attack, we forced 
the enemy from parts of his first fine, forcing him to fall back 
to a second one. Wright then took post in front of Cold Har¬ 
bor, on the road to Gaines’ Mill—Ricketts’ division on the 
right, Russell in the centre, and Neill on the left. It was now 
past three o’clock, when Smith brought up his corps, after a 
severe march of tw T enty-five miles from White House, and 
formed rapidly on the right of the Sixth—Martindale’s divi¬ 
sion on the right, W. H. T. Brooks in the centre, and Devens 
on the left. Unimpaired by the fatigues of the march, these 
splendid fellows rushed at once upon the enemy in their front, 
crossing an open space and a small fringe of woods, and burst 
upon the enemy’s rifle-pits, capturing five hundred prisoners. 
It was in vain that the enemy made vigorous attacks during 
the night, and posted batteries enfilading our line. They 
were unable to recapture their works. Our losses, which were 
about two thousand, were of course greater than those of the 
enemy, wdio sustained the principal attack behind his in- 
trenehments. 

The result of this severe fighting was that we held Cold 
Harbor, and thus were enabled to cover White House, and 
continue our southern movement. 

Our line of battle on Thursday, the 2d of June, extended 
from Cold Harbor to Betliesda Church. Hancock, on the 
left, occupied Cold Harbor. On his right was the Sixth 
Corps ; then in order the Eighteenth and Fifth ; while Burn¬ 
side, who had been drawn in to Betliesda Church, formed the 
right. Cold Harbor was a strategic point of great importance. 


340 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


While Burnside was performing the movement indicated on 
the afternoon of the 2d of June, he was attacked in force, and 
the enemy succeeded even in penetrating between Warren and 
himself, and capturing a number of prisoners ; but the prompt 
movement and gallantry of Bartlett’s brigade checked and 
drove back this force and the line was restored. 


COLD HARBOR. 

v On Friday, June 3d, a new movement was begun, at foui 
o’clock in the morning, and resulted in one of the most ter¬ 
rible and hardly contested battles of the war. Before making 
a new advance by the left flank, Grant determined again to 
try the strength of the enemy, and he had issued orders that 
an assault should be made upon him along the whole line. 
At the specified time, all moved forward with varying fortune. 
Hancock, on our left, advanced, with the divisions of Gibbon 
and Barlow, up the slope in his front, which was swept by 
a terrible artillery fire. So vigorous was this attack, that the 
enemy was pushed out of his works, and thrown back upon 
his second line. But here he rallied, threw in a fearful enfi¬ 
lading fire upon our advance, and in turn drove it out in hot 
haste to seek shelter from the iron storm ; but not so rapidly 
as not to take with it three hundred prisoners and one color. 
Not content with this, however, the enemy attacked our hues 
furiously again and again, but were repulsed. 

Quite similar to this was the fortune of the attack made by 
our centre, under Smith and Wright. They also came near 
the works in their front by a splendid charge, but were driven 
back by the enemy, and forced to throw up intrencliments 
near his works. As the enemy had massed heavily on our left 
and left centre, the principal fighting was in front of these 
corps, and when it was found that we could not drive him 
from his intrencliments, offensive operations ceased at about 
eleven o’clock. 

The fighting in front of Warren and Burnside was unim- 


FROM SPOTTSYLYANIA TO THE CHICKAHOMINY. 341 

portant; Burnside manoeuvred to the right so as to threaten 
the enemy’s position, but when he was reported as ready to 
attack, it had been deemed best to suspend the assault. 

A few hours after another attack was ordered, but the 
troops were not in condition to make it, and it was aban¬ 
doned. 

On our extreme right, Wilson had been posted with the 
Third Cavalry Division, and there he came in contact with 
the cavalry of Wade Hampton, which he drove away. There, 
too, he fell upon an infantry brigade of Seth’s division, which 
had been sent to envelop Burnside. He drove this force back, 
and took from it a number of prisoners. 

The battle of the Chickahominy, or Cold Harbor, may be 
regarded from several points of view ; and our opinion con¬ 
cerning it will vary with each. As a combined general move¬ 
ment against the enemy, to drive him away, and to uncover 
the bridges of the Chickahominy, forcing him into Richmond, 
it was not a success. As an effort to maintain a most strat¬ 
egic point, and to strike him a severe blow, under cover of 
which Grant might throw his army unmolested south of the 
- James, it was by no means a failure. As a shock of arms, in 
parallel lines, it is open to the censure of attacking a long 
extended fortified front with weak lines, instead of concen¬ 
trating masses upon a decisive point, which is one of the hap¬ 
piest tactical applications of a well-known rule of strategy. 
The troops themselves felt this when they failed to move 
when ordered to the third attack; they felt that it was use¬ 
less. 

But if Cold Harbor was to Grant a battle of alternatives,— 
if he had determined, could he drive the enemy back, to take 
immediate advantage of it, and follow, him across the river, 
and up to the fortifications of Richmond,—it was now evident, 
that failing in this, it was not possible, by a rapid flank move¬ 
ment in.either direction, to interpose between him and the 
city. He now at once determined again to pass around Lee’s 
right, join the Army of the Potomac with that of Butler, and 
lay siege to the southern defences of the redoubted capital. 


342 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


He miglit still have moved against Lee’s left, and thus con¬ 
tinued to “cover Washington;” but he would have had a 
distant base, a long line of communication to guard, and 
would have left open to the enemy all his vital southern com¬ 
munications. 

Sheridan was holding the lower crossings of the Chicka- 
hominy, and covering the roads to our new depot at White 
House. 

Our losses had been about thirteen thousand men, while 
those of the enemy were comparatively slight. General 
B. O. Tyler was severely wounded, being for some time after 
in danger of losing his foot. 

We were now in another decade of battles, literally from the 
1st, when Torbert held the courthouse, to the 10th of June, 
while we were pushing the enemy and perfecting arrangements 
for the crossing. 

Burnside reported that the enemy had withdrawn from his 
front; and the reason of this was soon manifest. 

On the 4tli we were slightly intrenched in Lee’s front; and 
at nine o’clock at night he made a vigorous attack upon the 
Second, Sixth, and Eighteenth corps in line, and after a severe 
action, with all the terrible but magnificent concomitants of a 
night-battle, he was driven back. v 

During Sunday, the 5th, we continued the work of intrench¬ 
ing. The lines were very close,—so close, that the sharp¬ 
shooters did excellent work on both sides, by picking off the 
officers and men in the trenches. At half-past eight, with 
commendable activity, the enemy sallied out and assaulted 
Smyth’s brigade of the Second Division of Hancock’s corps ; 
but being manfully met with firmness and steel, he was again 
compelled to retire discomfited to his own lines. It should 
have been said that Burnside was withdrawn from the extreme 
right on the 4tli, and posted between Warren and Smith. So 
also on the 6th, while we still continued intrenching on our 
left and centre, Warren was withdrawn and massed in rear of 
the centre. A night attack on Burnside was again repelled. 

The result of the hard fighting of the few past days was 


FROM SPOTTSYLVANIA TO THE CHICKAHoMINY. 343 



now painfully manifest in the great number of unburied dead 
and suffering wounded lying between the two armies. After a 
correspondence between Grant and Lee, dictated by humanity, 
an armistice of two hours was agreed upon, during which the 
dead were buried and the wounded removed. 

Again the operations of the army became problematical; 
and while considerable re-enforcements were reaching the 
army, Grant digested the details and co-operative portions of 
his new plan. He had seen that in the entire movement from 
the Rapidan, the enemy had been upon the defensive, willing 
to risk nothing, assuming occasionally a dashing but epheme¬ 
ral offensive, and always falling back, when pressed, behind 
well-selected and thoroughly prepared intrenchments. To 
beat Lee’s army, therefore, as had been his desire, north of 
Richmond, he found was impossible, without greater losses 
than he was willing to incur. He therefore determined to 
hold the ground which he then occupied for a few days. 
During this time he proposed to send Sheridan, with two 
divisions of cavalry, to destroy thoroughly the Virginia 
Central Railroad, and then to advance and join with Hunter, 
who Grant hoped would meet him at Charlottesville. The 
result of tjiis combination would be, to destroy all railroad 
communications between Richmond and the Shenandoah 
Valley, and also between Richmond and Lynchburg, and then 
to join Grant. The second and great part of the programme 
was for Grant to move the Army of the Potomac to the south 




344 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


side of tlie James, by the enemy’s right flank ; and thus cut 
off all his sources of supply, except by the canal. A beautiful 
programme—destined, however, as we shall see, to fail, through 
the ill-success of some of his lieutenants, and fortuitous cir¬ 
cumstances entirely beyond his control. 

To aid him in carrying out the latter portion of the move¬ 
ment, Butler sent Gillmore to capture Petersburg* if possible, 

and to destroy the railroad crossing and common briges over 

_ * 

the Appomattox. We shall refer to these subordinate move¬ 
ments presently. 

On the 7th of June the Second Corps was extended to the 
Chickahominy. The Fifth was removed by the left flank past 
the rear, and a portion of it marched to Dispatch Station, on 
the York Biver Bailroad; wliile the divisions of Griffln and 
Cutler moved down towards Sumner’s Lower Bridge, which, 
on reconnoitring, they found in possession of a large force of 
the enemy. To feel the nearest ■crossings below, Torbert and 
Gregg skirt the river to Bottom’s Bridge. The enemy has 
extended his line that far. He cannot extend it much further, 
without so weakening it by the tension as to offer opportuni¬ 
ties to break it. 

Below Bottom’s Bridge, are Long’s Bridge and Jones’ 
Bridge, the former six miles below, and on the direct road 
from White House; the latter about six miles further down, 
on a direct road to New Kent Courthouse on the north, and 
to Charles City Courthouse on the south. 

Our losses from the 1st to the 10th of June, in what may be 
called the battles of Cold Harbor, were : Killed, one hundred 
and forty-four officers, one thousand five hundred and sixty- 
one enlisted men; wounded, four hundred and twenty-one 
officers, eight thousand six hundred and twenty-one men; 
missing, fifty-one officers, two thousand three hundred and 
fifty-five men;—total, thirteen thousand one hundred and 
fifty-three. 

The projected movement of Grant must have been known 
to the enemy, but it w T as accomplished with such cleverness 
and dispatch, that it was, after all, of the nature of a surprise. 


FROM SPOT T SYLVAN IA TO THE CIIICKAHOMINY. 345 


He directed tlie immediate destruction of tlie railroad from 
Dispatch Station, near the Chickahominy, to White House; 
and taking all the rails, sleepers, and ties to the latter place, 
had them shipped on barges for use below. This occupied the 
10th and 11th. 

The crossing of the Chickahominy began on the evening of 
the 12tli (Sunday). Wilson’s division of cavalry marched to 
seize the crossing at Long Bridge, and took position on the 
Long Bridge road, beyond where it crosses White Oak Swamp. 
The Fifth Corps followed in his track, Crawford, with the 
Third Division, joining Wilson on the morning of the 13th, 
and with him repulsing all the efforts of the enemy to advance 
upon our flank. The Second Corps, leaving Cold Harbor on 
the night of the 12tli, then crossed, also at'Long Bridge, 
passed the Fifth, and thus forming the advance, marched to 
the James Biver, which it struck at Wilcox’s wharf, between 
Charles City Courthouse and Westover. 

The Sixth and Ninth corps crossed at Jones’ Bridge, en¬ 
tirely unmolested, and marched to Charles City Courthouse. 
The immense trains, making a wide detour to the south, 
crossed principally at Coles’ Ferry, twelve or fifteen miles be¬ 
low Jones’ Bridge. Smith’s (Eighteenth) corps, which had 
been doing temporary but most valuable service with the 
Army of the Potomac, was now relieved. On the night of the 
12tli it was marched to the White House, where it took trans¬ 
ports to sail down the York and up the James, again to report 
to Buller at Bermuda Hundred. 



346 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

SOUTH OF THE JAMES. 


The crossing of the James.—Petersburg.—Gillmore retires.—Kautz attacks.— 
Smith’s new assault.—The corps come up rapidly.—Butler moves forward. 
—The new assault on the city—Not successful.—Sheridan’s expedition.— 
New movement of the army.—Against the Weldon road.—Deep Bottom.— 
Wilson’s raid.—Temporary rest. 


The grand crossing of the J ames was next in order. 
Transports having been assembled, the Second Corps began 
crossing in them at noon. Under the direction of General 
Butler, General Godfrey Weitzel, the chief-engineer of the 
Department of Virginia and North Carolina, had selected 
points; and General Benham, arriving on the 14th, had laid 
ponton-bridges near Wilcox’s wharf, and opposite Windham’s 
Point. The bridges were a triumph of pontgmeering skill. 
They were two thousand feet long, and the channel-boats were 
anchored in fifteen fathoms. They were ready by midnight. 
The army had been well massed around- Charles City Court¬ 
house ; and the crossing, which was made both by the bridges 
and by the ferry-boats, was effected in a most admirable man¬ 
ner, and was not materially molested by the enemy: it occupied 
the 14th and 15th of June, and until noon on the 16th. We 
did not lose more than four hundred men in all its casualties. 

We must return now to the promised aid which Grant was 
to have in the attack by Butler’s troops upon Petersburg, 
which, it will be remembered, was a part of Grant’s new plan. 


SOUTH OF THE JAMES. 


347 


Before doing so, let us cast a glance at the city and its en¬ 
virons. It is situated on the south bank of the Appomattox, 
and through it the great Southern railroad runs. It is twenty- 
two miles from Richmond, and about ten from City Point, 
where the Appomattox empties into the James. Vessels of 
one hundred tons go up the river to the wharves of Peters-' 
burg, while those of larger tonnage unload at Walthall’s, six 
miles below the city. A canal takes smaller vessels past the 
falls, just above the city. It is the third city in size in Vir¬ 
ginia ; but it was to have a remarkable military value as the 
grand strategic southern outpost to Richmond. Indeed, in all 
the military operations, it was quite as important as the capital. 
There is a railroad from it to City Point; another to Norfolk ; 
the third, already mentioned, runs south to Weldon and be¬ 
yond ; while the Southside Railroad runs to Lynchburg. Of 
these roads, the vital ones were those connecting it with Rich¬ 
mond and the Southside roads. The enemy’s dispositions 
were admirably made to cover them both. The works, weak 
at the first, were rapidly strengthened. These consisted of 
continuous lines commanding each other, and flanked by 
strong batteries, square redoubts, and other inclosed works. 
Southeast of the city a gentle ridge rises, shutting it out from 
our view and our guns, except at a few points, and this was 
strongly occupied by the rebel lines. 

Grant had gone in person to Bermuda Hundred to arrange 
the plan which contemplated the seizure of the town, before 
these works had become so strong. The result was, that 
General Butler had dispatched Gill more with a small force— 
thirty-five hundred men—on the 10th of June, to cross the 
Appomattox near the Point of Rocks, to move by the river- 
turnpike directly upon the city, and capture it, if possible, 
while it was yet too weak to resist a conp-de-main. % 

Simultaneously with this movement two gunboats and a bat¬ 
tery were to attack Fort Clinton below the city; and thirdly, 
Kautz, with a detachment of cavalry, fifteen hundred strong, 
was to move across the-Norfolk Railroad and effect an entrance 
on the south. On the 10th, Gillmore moved without molesta- 


348 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


tion until lie came upon the works two miles from the city. 
He drove in the enemy’s skirmishers, but on account of the 
small number of his own command, and the apparent strength 
of the works, he was deterred from assaulting, and marched 
back to his camp. Kautz, the hero of this assault, crossed 
the railroad, and marched so rapidly and secretly, that he 
penetrated into the town ; but the enemy, unemployed on Gill- 
more’s front, concentrated, fell upon Kautz’s troopers, and 
drove them away. 

Gillmore’s force should have been double, and the attack 
could not have failed. As to the propriety of his withdrawing 
without an attack, we have not the necessary knowledge to 
consider the question. In such reciprocal movements it is the 
greatest of pities, whatever the cause, that either party should 
fail the other. 

V 

With characteristic energy, unimpaired by these failures, 
Grant hurried in person to Bermuda Hundred, and there gave 
Butler verbal instructions to dispatch Smith with the Eigh¬ 
teenth Corps, just arrived from White House, at one o’clock in 
the morning, and with all the troops which could be spared, 
without endangering the safety of his position, to Petersburg. 
He said he would hurry back to the Army of the Potomac, 
and pour it down, division at a time, without delay, and thus 
could re-enforce Smith more rapidly than the enemy could con¬ 
centrate there. This the enemy was attempting to thwart; 
he was in great force south of Bichmond, A. P. Hill’s corps in 
advance. Smith was at once set in motion. He crossed the 
Appomattox on a ponton-bridge near the Point of Bocks, 
and following Gillmore’s route, moved upon the northeast 
defences of Petersburg, from the Appomattox round for a dis-’ 
tance of two and a half miles, reaching his ground before day 
on the 16th. A partial attack w T as made on some advanced 
lines by the colored troops under Hincks, who behaved with 
commendable gallantry, capturing a line of rifle-pits and two 
twelve-pounders. But we are ignorant of the causes which 
led Smith to delay his attack on the main w r orks until late in 
the afternoon. 


SOUTH OF THE JAMES. 


349 


Just before the setting of the sun he moved to the attack 
of these, and his gallantry and impetuosity were rewarded by 
the capture of the entire line of rifle trenches. The ene¬ 
my, routed, left behind as trophies for Smith three hundred 
prisoners, sixteen guns, and a battle-flag. Our loss was not 
more than six hundred. In ignorance of what lay behind 
these captured works, Smith did not pursue his advantage. 
It is now known that there were no works of importance be¬ 
tween these and Petersburg. The night was clear, and there 
was a brilliant moon. Smith, however, made no further offen¬ 
sive operations that night. General Hancock came up just 
after nightfall with two divisions of the Second Corps, and 
courteously waiving his right to take the command from a 
general who had studied the ground, and already obtained a 
brilliant success, he placed the divisions of his corps under 

Smith’s orders. Portions of these divisions were sent, at 

* 

Smith’s request, to relieve his own troops in the captured 
works, and there was a cessation of hostilities until morning. 
The auspicious moment for capturing Petersburg by a coiip-cle- 
mcdn had passed. The enemy was now pouring down troops 
to defend it. Grant had fulfilledjiis promise of sending down 
the Army of the Potomac without a moment’s delay. Hancock 
had moved without supplies. On the same day, the 15th, he 
had also ordered Warren to cross at early daylight by the 
ferries, and push forward. He reached Petersburg on the 
evening of the 16tli. The Sixth, under Wright, was thus 
moved: the artillery and one division to Petersburg, and the 
other two divisions to City Point. Burnside, with the Ninth, 
reached Petersburg about noon on the 16tli. These dispo¬ 
sitions having been carried out by General Meade, that officer 
proceeded to City Point, and from thence to Petersburg. He 
met General Grant on the road, and, after consultation, was 
directed by him to assume the immediate command of the 
troops in front, and to assault at once. The .position of our 
troops was just in front of the works captured by Smith on 
the 15th. After that capture, Martindale had been on the 
right, against the river, Brooks and Hincks occupied the 


350 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


centre, and Ivantz covered tlie left with his cavalry. As the 
Army of the Potomac arrived, the Second Corps had come on 
Smith’s left, and the Ninth on the left of the Second. JWarren 
had taken post still on the left, to extend our Jine around the city. 

Meade, on leaving Grant, returned to the front at two p. M., 
and after consultation with the corps commanders, he ordered 
the Second and Ninth corps to assault. The attack began at 
six o’clock, and the fighting continued until six in the morning, 
with varying success. It was a terrible battle-night! Birney, 
of the Second Corps, stormed the advanced crest in his front. 
Barlow made a vigorous attempt, but was unsuccessful, losing 
a portion of his skirmish line. The brigades of Miles and Grif¬ 
fin, of the Fifth Corps, which came up during the night, suc¬ 
ceeded in taking and holding a portion of the fine in their 
front. Smith’s (Eighteenth) corps only made a demonstration, 
as an assault was' not thought by him to be expedient in his 
front. 

During the night of the 16tli, Neill’s division, of the Sixth 
Corps, came up as expected—the others remaining at City 
Point—and at once relieved Brooks’ division, of the Eigh¬ 
teenth, which, with General Smith, returned to Bermuda 
Hundred. Martindale was left in command of the remainder 
of the corps. Burnside, at the beginning of the assault, had 
encountered so terrible a fire, that he was unable to attack ; 
but the next morning, at the earliest dawn, he directed Potter 
to take the work hi his front, which was gallantly done. "With 
the work were captured four guns, many prisoners, and sev¬ 
eral colors. Ledlie, who relieved Potter’s stormers, pushed on 
to an additional success, and occupied the enemy’s lines, dis¬ 
tant one mile and a half only from the city. From this point, 
a few shells were thrown into Petersburg. Had the enemy 
permitted us to occupy these lines in peace, he could not have 
long held the town. But he did not. His troops were now 
pouring in in great numbers. He organized an overwhelming 
counter-assault for that night; and after heavy fighting, recap¬ 
tured his w^orks. Petersburg was now in condition to resist 
any attempt by a sudden storming. 


SOUTH OF THE JAMES. 


351 


BUTLER MOVES FORWARD. 

General Butler discovering tliat the enemy, concerned about 
the safety of Petersburg, had withdrawn a large body of 
troops from his front, moved forward an expeditionary party 
on the 16tli, to destroy, and if possible hold, the railroad be¬ 
tween Bichmond and Petersburg. To aid this movement, 
Grant ordered the two divisions of the Sixth Corps (which, it 
will be remembered, had not gone to Petersburg, but were 
embarking on transports at Wilcox’s wharf, for City Point) to 
proceed at once to the aid of Butler. These troops arrived in 
time, but were halted at some distance from the advance to 
rest; and before they could come up in support, the enemy, 
with clear vision and vigorous attack, had forced Butler’s 
troops back from the works they had captured, had reoccupied 
them, and had strengthened their lines permanently at that 
point. 

THE NEW ASSAULT ON PETERSBURG. 

Warren, it has been said, had come up during the night 
of the 16th, and taken post on the left of Burnside, thus ex¬ 
tending our lines further around the place. During the 
17tli, our line was strongly posted, firmly adjusted, and gradu¬ 
ally moved up towards the.enemy. Grant had now deter¬ 
mined on a general assault the next day. The corps were 
thus disposed from right to left: That portion of the Eigh¬ 
teenth Corps which had remained under Martindale and rf 
Hincks occupied the right, extending to within a short dis¬ 
tance of the river-bank ; Neill’s division, of the Sixth, oc- 



352 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


cupied tlie right centre ; the centre was formed by the Sec¬ 
ond Corps: ihe left centre by the Ninth ; and the left by the 
Fifth Corps. 

At four o’clock on the morning of the 18th June, the skir¬ 
mishers moved forward along the whole line; but to their aston¬ 
ishment found the enemy withdrawn from their second line, 
and strongly intrenched on an interior line, one mile nearer 
the citv. 

Although Grant still determined to assault without delay, 
it was necessary to make a change in the order of battle. 
Instead of an attack in line, points were to be chosen which 
might be attacked in column—the columns to be followed by 
the lines in rear as reserves. In front of the Second Corps, 
three brigades of Gibbon’s division were organized into an 
attacking column. These devoted men moved gallantly up to 
the enemy’s lines, near the City Point Railroad; but success 
was not possible. The rebel works on the left poured in a 
terrible enfilading fire upon Gibbon’s advancing lines, and 
drove them back to seek shelter. 

Martindale, on the right, encountered less opposition, and 
succeeded in occupying the enemy’s skirmish line, and taking 
some prisoners. This was at noon. At four in the afternoon, 
General Birney, who was now temporarily in command of the 
Second Corps,—as Hancock was suffering from an old wound, 
—formed a new column of attack, consisting of Mott’s divi¬ 
sion and regiments detached from the other divisions. These 
were moved rapidly forward to attempt the dubious task ; but 
again success lay with the intrenched enemjr. Torrents of 
musketry fire and tempests of artillery swept our men down, 
arrested their advance, and finally drove them rapidly back, 
after great loss. 

The efforts of the Fifth and Ninth corps, on our left, were 
not more successful. We had, however, accomplished one 
thing : we had extended our lines across the Norfolk Railroad, 
and were gaining -ground steadily to the left. We had also 
determined the facts that Lee’s army, or the greater portion 
of it, now confronted us at Petersburg; that little could be 


SOUTH OF THE JAMES. 


353 


gained by direct attacks upon a brave and vigilant enemy, 
strongly intrenched; and that we must resort to regular ap¬ 
proaches, and constant attempts to encircle the enemy’s right, 
and cut him off from the Southside Railroad. 

From Wednesday, the 15tli, up to nightfall of Saturday, 
the 18th, there had been continuous fighting of a desultory 
character ; and partly from want of celerity, partly from the 
skill and quickness of the enemy, the results had not been all 
we could have desired. To the unmilitary eye it would seem 
that we had gained nothing ; but this is an erroneous estimate. 
We had taken some firm steps, and accomplished some im¬ 
portant results. City Point was secured as an important base 
and depot, to remain so until the end of the war; we con¬ 
fronted the enemy closely, and kept him in his lines ; and we 
threatened his right, requiring him to make a great extension 
in that direction. In a word, Grant had laid upon the devoted 
city of Richmond the first coil—ever tightening—of that ana¬ 
conda grasp, never to be released until the monster should be 
strangled and lie lifeless in the embrace. 

Pending these operations, the supply-trains were crossed at 
the bridge, covered by Wilson’s division of cavalry and Fer- 
rero’s division of colored troops. 

MOVEMENTS OF THE CAVALRY. 

The reader will remember that Sheridan had been sent on 
an expedition to destroy the Virginia Central Railroad, and, if 
possible, to join Hunter. In the first part of the programme 
he was successful; but as he could hear nothing of Hunter’s 
advance towards Charlottesville, he did not effect the second 
part, but returned from his expedition to White House, which 
he reached on the 19th of June, just as the enemy’s cavalry 
were about to attack it. He drove them away, and relieved 
the garrison. Let us look back for a moment, and see what 
his raid had accomplished. Moving rapidly up the railroad 
towards Gordonsville, destroying as he advanced, he encoun¬ 
tered Wade Hampton’s cavalry at Trevillian Station, on the 


356 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


AGAINST THE WELDON ROAD. 

But the enemy were quite as eager to hold it as we to take 
it. The Second Corps moved rapidly, followed by the Sixth, 
in support, which was to come up on the left of the Second, 
and extend to the Weldon road, if possible. The troops had, 
however, only reached Davis’s faj*m, on the Jerusalem road, 
between the two railroads, when they encountered the enemy 
in such force, that, after a brief but severe action, they were 
compelled to retire for a short distance. On Wednesday, the 
22d, this movement against the Weldon road was resumed by 
the Second and Sixth corps, the Sixth on the left; but by 
some misunderstanding, the corps waiting for each other, the 
attack was too long delayed; and, when moving independently 
of each other, a gap was formed between the Sixth, which had 
not completed its line, and Barlow’s division, of the Second. 
Into this that skilful general, A. P. Hill, threw a division of 
his corps, rolling up Barlow’s division, which exposed Bir- 
ney’s, now Mott’s division: this, in turn, was now forced 
back from its rifle-pits ; and Gibbon’s division was in turn 
exposed, and sp encountered as to lose four guns. But 
a new line was formed for the Second, which it was able to 
maintain. 

Not unsimilar was the fate of the Sixth Corps. Its left 
flank was simultaneously attacked by another division of Hill’s 
corps, and forced back. General Meade had now reached the 
field, and getting both corps well in hand, in the evening he 
ordered a general advance, by which the Sixth Corps was en¬ 
abled to recover its line ; and the Second a portion of its for¬ 
mer position; all of which was strongly intrenched. On 
Thursday, the 23d, the attempt on the Weldon Bailroad was 
again resumed. The Sixth Corps endeavored, by marching 
southward, to reach the enemy’s right flank. Its advance at 
length reached the railroad, and cut the telegraph wires; but 
no sooner had three of our regiments been put in position to 
hold this valuable point, than Anderson’s division of Hill’s 
torps struck their flank, captured many prisoners, drove the 


SOUTH OF THE JAMES. 


357 


remainder back, and then made a furious attack upon tlie 
main body. 

Tlie country in which we were manoeuvring was of very dif¬ 
ficult topography, and filled with dense undergrowth. The en¬ 
emy were better acquainted with it than we. The Weldon 
Railroad was of very great, if not of vital, importance to him. 
He had thus far defended it persistently, turning his defensive 
into a skilful offensive in every battle; and forcing us to be 
content, for the time, with establishing our lines half-way to 
.the Weldon Railroad, until we could mass our forces in 
strength sufficient to break his now greatly extended line. 

Before this could be done, however, the character of the 
weather, and unforeseen requirements in another part of the 
field, made it necessary to contract our line by drawing in our 
left to the Jerusalem plankroad, and refusing it by a crotchet 
to the rear. 

Pending these operations there were many reconnoissances 
and partial movements, to which our space will not permit us 
to allude. In every part of the immediate theatre, every 
day had its battle, and every hour its special interest. Bri- 
t gades and regiments were detached; subordinate movements 
were projected and postponed; Petersburg, Pocahontas, and 
the bridges of the Appomattox were vigorously shelled. 

DEEP BOTTOM. 

But the most important of the operations resulted in the 
occupation of Deep Bottom, on the night of the 20th and 
morning of the 21st. To this important point, only ten miles 
from Richmond, General Butler had sent an infantry brigade 
of the Tenth Corps, under Brigadier-General Foster. A short 
distance above this, at Howlett’s, the enemy had strong bat¬ 
teries. Deep Bottom was at once connected with Bermuda 
Hundred by a ponton-bridge. At the same time, in order 
further to develop these movements at the north, the re¬ 
mainder of the Eighteenth Corps was withdrawn from the 
Army of the Potomac to Bermuda Hundred, and during 


353 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


the greater part of the siege served with the Army of the 
J ames. 

While these movements were being made on the north and 
«, south of Petersburg—by way of a feint—the enemy advanced 
a strong skirmish line upon General Burnside’s position in 
front of Petersburg, on Saturday, the 25th; but he produced 
no impression upon our lines. 


Wilson’s raid. 

As an important portion of the operations against the Weldon 
Railroad, we must not forget to record the cavalry movements 
designed to co-operate with the infantry advance. On the 
22d of June, General Wilson, with his own cavalry division of 
the Army of the Potomac, and Kautz’s division of the Army of 
the James, eight thousand men in all, marched rapidly south¬ 
ward, first to destroy the Weldon Railroad, and then to make 
a circuit against the Soutliside and Danville railroads. The 
expedition struck the Weldon road at Reams’ Station, where 
they destroyed the depot, and tore up a long stretch of road. 
Moving, without delay, westward, they struck the Soutliside 
road at a point fifteen miles from Petersburg. Thence they 
went to Nottoway Station, destroying twenty-two miles of the 
track ; but encountering near this point the enemy’s cavalry, 
under General W. F. Lee, Wilson defeated it, and drove it 
away. He then dispatched Kautz to Burksville Station, the 
junction of the Soutliside and Danville roads. This Kautz 
reached and destroyed on the evening of the 23d, and tore up 
the track as far as Melierrin Station, forming, at that point, a 
junction with Wilson on the 24tli of June. The united forces 
then destroyed the Danville road southward to Roanoke 
Bridge, a distance of twenty-five miles. There they Jound the 
enemy in such numbers, and so strongly posted, that he could 
not be dislodged. Wilson now started back on a rapid return, 
beset by great perils, and not to be accomplished without 
great disasters. The rebels were gathering like wolves on his 


SOUTH OF THE JAMES. 


359 


track. On tlie 28th, he encountered a large force on Stony 
Creek, where the Weldon road crosses it. After a hard but 
undecisive fight, he was forced to make a detour ,to Reams’ 
Station, which he supposed to be still in our hands. But he 
was sadly mistaken : the enemy had occupied it with a large 
force of infantry and cavalry, and, in his efforts to escape, 
Wilson lost his artillery and trains ; Kautz was separated from 
him, and made his way in independently; and Wilson, after 
losing many prisoners, crossed the Nottoway River, and came 
in, his horses and men in a pitiable condition. Besides the 
trains, and the guns and prisoners he had lost, the enemy had 
recaptured a thousand negroes, who had vainly hoped, by fol¬ 
lowing Wilson, to reach our lines, and gain their freedom. 
But, notwithstanding these disasters, he had succeeded in 
severing the communication with Richmond, by the railroads, 
for several weeks. General Grant says that “ the damage 
done to the enemy in this expedition more than compensated 
for the losses we sustained.” 

TEMPORARY REST. 

It was now manifest that, after nearly two months of con¬ 
tinuous fighting of the most desperate character, and now that 
we had reached a point where the siege of a stronghold must 
take the place of battles in the field, there must be a brief 
period for rest and reorganization. Our losses had been be¬ 
tween sixty and seventy thousand, and although corresponding 
re-enforcements had reached Grant, the losses sustained could 
not be repaired by the raw troops sent to the army. We 
had lost six hundred officers killed, more than two thousand 
wounded, and three hundred and fifty missing. These could 
not be immediately replaced. In many places, brigades were 
commanded by majors, and regiments by captains. Under 
these circumstances, should new columns of attack be organ¬ 
ized, the men could not have the same confidence in their 
officers: the officers, and even the generals, would become 
confused in the varying pell-mell of the campaign. 


360 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Tlie disasters we had sustained were not without their 
effect. The Second Corps, which had deserved the appellation 
given bj the French army to the Ninth demi-brigade at Ma¬ 
rengo—“The Incomparables ”—had suffered somewhat in the 
movements against the Weldon road. The Sixth had met 
with similar disaster. We had not lost prestige, but we 
needed a brief rest to heal all these wounds. 

Added to these, a scorching summer sun and a pitiless 
drought had supervened : the sky was brass, and the earth 
was ashes. In many camps the water began to fail. Ar¬ 
rangements were made, however, for the comfort of the 
troops; the work of filling up and re-officering went bravely 
on; and a few days would have made all things ready for 
renewal of attacks, when circumstances in other portions of the 
theatre, at which we have already hinted, compelled a longer 
quiet in front of Petersburg, or rather less important and 
vigorous operations than had been anticipated. In order to 
come in logical order to these, we now proceed to consider the 
second set of collateral movements which had a bearing, bene¬ 
ficial or adverse, on Grant’s principal operations. 


THE SRJ2NAND0AH VALLEY. 


361 


/ 




CHAPTER XXXIII. 

THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 

Hunter’s instructions.— He beats the enemy.—W. E. Jones killed.—Advance 
to Lynchburg.—Ketreats to the Kanawha.—What he accomplished.— In 
what he failed.—The route he should have taken. 


When General Sigel was relieved, after liis defeat in the 
Valley, General David Hunter had been placed in command. 
What was expected of him may be gathered Rom the follow¬ 
ing extracts from letters of Grant to Halleck. On the 20th of 
May he wrote : “ The enemy are evidently relying for supplies 
greatly on such as are brought over the branch road running 
through Staunton. On the whole, therefore, I think it would 
be better for General Hunter to move in that direction ; reach 
Staunton and Gordonsville , if he does not meet too much oppo¬ 
sition. If he can hold in it a force equal to his own, he will be 
doing good service.” 

Again, on the 25th, he writes Halleck: “ If Hunter can pos¬ 
sibly get to Charlottesville and Lynchburg , he should do so— 
living on the country. The railroads and canals should be 
destroyed beyond the possibility of repair for weeks. Com¬ 
pleting this, he could find his way back to his original base, or, 
from about Gordonsville, join this army.” 

General Hunter, well known as an energetic, brave, and 
determined officer, but whose generalship had never, thus far, 
been severely tested, at once assumed a vigorous offensive. 
Moving up the Shenandoah, he beat up the enemy’s quarters 

on the 5tli of June, at Piedmont. He had passed through 

16 


362 




GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Woodstock, Mount Jackson, and New Market, to Harrison¬ 
burg ; at that point lie divided his force into two columns, one 
of which moved by the Port Republic road, and ihe other on 
the direct road to Staunton. Thus he encountered the enemy 
on North River, twelve miles from Staunton. The battle was 
fought by both columns, and continued for ten lio^rs. While 
Hunter was pressing the enemy in front, Crook was approach¬ 
ing from the west. The result was not long doubtful, blunter 
routed the enemy’s forces, taking fifteen hundred prisoners, 
three cannon, and three hundred stand of arms, and killing 
the rebel commander, W. E. Jones, while we sustained a loss 
of only fifty men. 


ADVANCE TO LYNCHBURG. 

On the 8th he occupied Staunton, where he was joined by 
Crook and xlverill. Crook had moved through Lewisburg and 
White Sulphur Springs, to Gaston Depot, on the Yirginia and 
Central Railroad. This he destroyed. From that point he 
crossed the North Mountain, at Pound Gap, and thus pushed 
forward by the railroad to Staunton. 

The combined forces, now under Hunter, marched, on the 
10th of June, towards Lynchburg, by way of Lexington. They 
reached Lexington on the 11th, where, on the 12th, they burnt 
the Military Institute, and the house of Governor Letcher. 
By the 16th of June, Hunter had invested Lynchburg; but 
that was the end of his success. 

Lee—his communication unobstructed—poured re-enforce¬ 
ments into Lynchburg, amounting in numbers almost to a 
corps. Hunter’s ammunition had given out; he was at a long 
distance from his base, in a hostile country; and, after skir¬ 
mishing and manoeuvring on the 18th, prudence dictated 
that he should retire in haste. This retreat was by the line of 
the railroad through Liberty, Bonsack, and Salem, to the Ka¬ 
nawha. A sad necessity, the result of mistaken strategy. 

He had accomplished much ; had won a battle ; had de¬ 
stroyed important supplies and manufactures; and had com- 


THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 


3G3 


pelled the enemy to remove a large force from Grant’s front; 
but liis retreat, in the wrong direction, towards the Kanawha, 
lost us the use of his troops for several weeks, when most 
needed to defend the North, now about to be again threatened 
by an invading force of the enemy. Had he moved from 
Staunton, by the railroad, southeast to Charlottesville , instead 
of to Lexington, and then from Charlottesville to Lynchburg, 
as Grant’s instructions contemplated, he would have continued 
to cover the Shenandoah Talley against all northern move¬ 
ments of the enemy, should he demonstrate in that direction ; 
otherwise he could have reached the James River Canal, de¬ 
stroyed it, and cut off any force sent for the relief of Lynch¬ 
burg, and been kept en rapport with Grant by Sheridan’s 
movement upon Gordonsville. These are general criticisms. 
General Hunter had the right, by the terms of Grant’s instruc¬ 
tions, to use his discretion, and doubtless thought that he was 
right in taking the other line. The military critic will find it 
difficult to agree with him. 


364 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 




CHAPTER XXXIV. 

/ 

THE MINE AT PETERSBURG. 


Grant’s diversion.—The story of the mine.—Its position.—Lieutenant-Colonel 
Pleasants.—Description.—Excavated under difficulties.—Meade’s order.— 
The fuse lighted.—Fails.—Gallant men relight it.—The delay.—The 
stormers move.—Ledlie, Willcox, and Potter.—Ferrero.—The crater.— 
The Court of Inquiry. 


Not without a fear that trouble was brewing in the Valley, 
Grant now sent the cavalry to cut the railroads north of Rich¬ 
mond, from points near Richmond to the North Anna, thus 
endangering the safety of the enemy’s army in the Valley, on 
the one hand; and, on the other, if Lee should succeed in 
sending troops northward, Grant was ready to take advantage 
of this withdrawal of troops from Petersburg, to explode a 
mine which had been prepared under an advanced work of 
the enemy, in front of the Ninth Corps, and under cover of 
the explosion to make a stunning assault upon the enemy’s 
lines, and in all probability capture the town. Further to in¬ 
duce them to weaken their works, that his assault might have 
a still better chance of success, Grant, holding the lines with 
the Fifth, Ninth, and Eighteenth corps, ordered the Second 
Corps, with two divisions of the cavalry, under Sheridan, to 
cross the James, and join that force of the Army of the James 
already intrenched at Deep Bottom. This was done on the 
night of June 26tli. Advancing from that point on the 27th, 
they drove the enemy back, at first in confusion, and captured 
four guns, with some prisoners. On the 28tli, our lines were 


THE MINE AT PETEESBUBO. 


365 


extended from Deep Bottom, across to the Newmarket and 
Long Bridge road. But in this new position the enemy at¬ 
tacked ;—after hard fighting for several hours, obtaining but 
little success. Grant now prepared to execute the second 
part of his programme. 

Having caused Lee to detach a large force from Petersburg 
to meet this force which he had crossed, and having paraded 
the crossing by taking a large train of empty wagons, he now 
proposed to take back the expeditionary force secretly, to 
spring the mine, and attack Petersburg, before Lee could re¬ 
turn his troops for its defence. 

One division of the Second Corps was recrossed, immedi¬ 
ately after the fighting of the 28th, and at once relieved the 
Eighteenth Corps in line, that the latter might be in readiness 
to attack. The other two divisions, with Sheridan’s cavalry, 
recrossed on the night of the 29th, and came up to their old 
quarters in front of Petersburg. The mine, which had been 
some days in readiness, was exploded on the morning of the 
30th. 


THE STOEY OF THE MINE. 

As this mine was the only one of any magnitude resorted to 
in this campaign, and as it has been the subject of not a little 
controversy, we propose to enter more into detail concerning 
it than the scope of our work will permit in describing the 
other operations. This is the more pardonable, because the 
explosion of the mine presents more stirring romance and 
terrible picturesque than most battle-scenes. 

The position was chosen on account of a hollow just in rear 
of a deep cut in the City Point Bailroad, in advance of which 
were General Burnside’s lines. In this hollow, or ravine, such 
work could be carried on entirely ont of the enemy’s sight. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Pleasants, of the Forty-eighth 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, a practical miner, whose regiment 
was recruited in the mining district of Pennsylvania, first 
proposed it to General Potter, who submitted the proposition 


366 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


to General Burnside. The plan being warmly approved by 
General Burnside, Colonel Pleasants set to work vigorously 
with his regiment, but found it very difficult to obtain proper 
instruments and implements. It is not too much to say that 
most of the higher commanders—we do not include Grant— 
regarded it without favor. It was considered a very doubtful 
experiment, and the author of it was comparatively unknown. 

The work was begun on the 25th of June, and completed, 
except the charging with powder, on the 23d of July; but in 
stating the obstacles he had to encounter, ColoneL Pleasants 
declares that he would have done it in a third or fourth of 
the time, with proper tools and instruments.* On the 25th of 
July it was charged and entirely ready. He had not been 
able to procure a proper theodolite to lay it out; but his chief 
difficulty had been the excavation of the gallery, and what to 
do with the earth excavated. He used cracker-boxes, re¬ 
enforced by hoops of iron taken from old beef and pork bar¬ 
rels, in place of barrows ; and his men piled up brushwood to 
conceal the increasing mound of earth. Not being able to pro¬ 
cure mining picks, he filed off and straightened the common 
picks for that purpose. The main gallery, which was horizon¬ 
tal, inclined for a short distance downward, at the entrance; it 
extended five hundred and ten feet under our own work and 
the intervening space, ending directly under the parapet of a 
rebel redoubt. It was more than twenty feet below the 
general surface. A vertical ventilating shaft was dug a 
little beyond the entrance, and a fire kept kindled in it. 
The dimensions of this gallery were four and a half feet 
high, by four and a half feet wide at the bottom. These 
depended for their security upon the tenacity of the earth, 
there being no frames. Two lateral galleries extended 
from the extremity of the mine under the rebel fort, the left 
one thirty-seven, and the right-thirty-eight feet long. In these 
were placed the magazines, eight in all. It was originally de- 


* Report of Joint Committee on tlie Conduct of the War. Battle of Peters¬ 
burg. Page 3. 



THE MINE AT PETERSBURG. 


367 


.signed to charge it with six tons of powder—twelve thousand 
pounds; but the same want of liberality, or rather of confi¬ 
dence, which had been displayed in not providing material 
for the construction, cut this down to four tons: and this was 
the charge,—about one thousand three hundred and fifty 
pounds in each magazine. These charges were strongly 
packed, or tamped, and the fuse set. The fuse was made of 
phosphorus, chlorate of potash, and other combustibles; and 
running the length of the gallery, it communicated with the 
charged magazines. 

All being in readiness, orders were issued to explode the 
mine on the morning of July 30, at twenty minutes past three. 
Burnside was ordered to mass his corps on the night of the 
29th, organize his columns, take down a portion of the para¬ 
pet, clear away the abatis, if necessary, in his front, and be in 
readiness to move at the moment of the explosion. He was 
cautioned not to let his troops halt in the crater, but that 
they should press forward and crown the crest of Cemetery 
Hill, on the ridge which commanded Petersburg. 

Warren was drawn up on his left; and Ord, just relieved by 
Hancock’s returning troops, drawn up with the Eighteenth 
Corps on his right. 

Meade’s order, issued on the night of the 29th, gives an 
outline of the general movements to be made : 

“ The following instructions are issued for the guidance of all concerned: 

“1. As soon as it is dark, Major-General Burnside, commanding Ninth Corps, 
will withdraw his two brigades, under General White, occupying the intrench- 
ments between the plank and Norfolk roads, and bring them to his front. Care 
will be \aken not to interfere with the troops of the Eighteenth Corps, moving 
into their position in rear of the Ninth Corps. General Burnside will form his 
troops for assaulting the enemy’s works at daylight on the 80tli, prepare his 
parapets and abatis for the passage of the columns, and have the pioneers 
equipped for work in opening passages for artillery, destroying enemy’s abatis, 
and the intrenching tools distributed for effecting lodgment, etc., etc. 

“ 2. Major-Gerferal Warren, commanding Fifth Corps, will reduce the number 
of his troops holding the intrenchments of his front to the minimum, and con 
centrate all his available force on his right, and hold them prepared to support 
the assault of Major-General Burnside. The preparations in respect to pioneers, 


368 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


intrenching tools, etc., etc., enjoined upon the Ninth Corps, will also be made 
by the Fifth Corps. 

“ 3. As soon as it is dark, Major-General Ord, commanding Eighteenth Corps, 
will relieve his troops in the trenches by General Mott’s division of the Second 
Corps, and form his corps in rear of the Ninth Corps, and be prepared to sup¬ 
port the assault of Major-General Burnside. 

“ 4. Every preparation will be made for moving forward the field artillery of 
each corps. 

“ 5. At dark, Major-General Hancock, commanding Second Corps, will move 
from Deep Bottom to the rear of the intrenchments now held by the Eighteenth 
Corps, resume the command of Mott’s division, and be prepared at daylight to 
follow up the assaulting and supporting columns, or for such other operations 
as may be found necessary. 

“ 6. Major-General Sheridan, commanding cavalry corps, will proceed at dark 
from the vicinity of Deep Bottom to Lee’s mill, and at daylight will move with 
his whole corps, including Wilson’s division, against the enemy’s troops de¬ 
fending Petersburg on their right, by the roads leading to that town from the 
southward and westward. 

“ 7 . Major Duane, acting chief-engineer, will have the ponton-trains parked 
at convenient points in the rear, prepared to move. He will see that supplies 

1 4 

of sandbags, gabions, facines, etc., etc., are in depot near the lines, ready for use. 

“ He will detail engineer officers for each corps. 

“ 8. At half-past three (3J) in the morning of the 30th, Major-General Burn¬ 
side will spring his mine, and his assaulting columns will immediately move 
rapidly upon the breach, seize the crest in the rear, and effect a lodgment there. 
He will be followed by Major-General Ord, who will support him on the right, 
directing his movement to the crest indicated, and by Major-General Warren, 
who will support him on the left. 

“ Upon the explosion of the mine, the artillery of all kinds in battery will 
open upon those points of the enemy’s works whose fire covers the ground over 
which our columns must move, care being taken to avoid impeding the prog¬ 
ress of our troops. Special instructions respecting the direction of fire will be 
issued'through the chief of artillery. 

“ 9. Corps commanders will report to the commanding general when their 
preparations are complete, and will advise him of every step in the progress of 
the operation, and of every thing important that occurs. 

“ 10. Promptitude, rapidity of execution, and cordial co-operation, are essen¬ 
tial to success; and the commanding general is confident that this indication 
of his expectations will insure the hearty efforts of the commanders and troops. 

“11. Headquarters, during the operations, will be at the headquarters of the 
Ninth Corps. 

“ By command of Major-General Meade.” 

The rebels were entirely ignorant of the locality of the 
mine, and the intention to explode it at that time. The 


THE MINE AT PETERSBURG. 


369 


Petersburg and Richmond papers had indulged in some sense¬ 
less pleasantry about our mining projects; but in that early 
morning, before daylight, the waking were as unsuspecting as 
those who slept. 

Exactly at the given hour the fuse was fired, and went hiss¬ 
ing into “ the bowels of the earth.” But the mine did not ex¬ 
plode. Pleasants knew in a moment the difficulty. He had 
been obliged to use a spliced fuse, instead of a whole one, or, 
indeed, two or three fuses, and it had stopped burning at the 
splice. Two brave men of the regiment, who believed in the 
mine, and who had toiled at it night and day under Pleasants, 
volunteered for the dangerous service to go in and relight it. 
These were Lieutenant Jacob Douty and Sergeant Harry 
Reese. They go along the gallery one hundred feet, before 
they reach the point where the fire stopped. Again, at ten 
minutes before five, the insidious flame travels to its destined 
goal. Generals Grant and Meade are at the front. “ It lacks 
a minute,” said Pleasants. “Not a second,” said Douty, 
“for there she goes!” A quiver, which becomes an earth¬ 
quake-tremor—and then, with a tremendous burst, a conical 
mountain rises in the air, streaked and seamed with lightning 
flashes. The vast mass is momentarily poised; and as it thus 
hangs in air, discloses timber, planking, earth, bodies and 
limbs of men, and even one or two of the sixteen guns in the 
work. It is known that the work was occupied by portions 
of the Seventeenth, Eighteenth, and Twenty-second South 
Carolina regiments, under Colonel Fleming. Except the 
guard, the garrison was asleep. One instant of awakening, 
and then the crashing death. And then from every gun, 
great and small, that can be brought to bear, w'e pour in such 
thunder-storms of artillery as have rarely been witnessed or 
heard in America. 

The mine, in spite of all croaking and unbelief, is a com¬ 
plete, a splendid success. The rebels are completely para¬ 
lyzed ; their frightened troops give way to the right and left 
of the crater; their artillery is silent. A huge gateway is 

opened for us up to Cemetery. Ridge, and beyond, into Peters- 

18 * 


370 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


burg. But the attack must be instantaneous. What delays 
it? Where is the storming column? Too late. Five min¬ 
utes pass, eight, ten, before Ledlie’s division, which had been 
selected by lot to lead the charge, has moved. When it does, 
led by the gallant General Bartlett, instead of complying with 
the order, it halts in the crater, and absolutely remains there 
an hour. 

General Burnside had at first contemplated sending 
forward his colored troops as stonners; but this being 
objected to by General Meade, and the objection being sus¬ 
tained by General Grant, his division commanders drew lots 
for the perilous prominence, and the lot fell upon General 
Ledlie. 

The storming-party was then thus organized: Ledlie’s divi¬ 
sion of white troops (Ninth Corps) was to lead the assault, 
charge through the crater, and seize the rebel works on the 
crest of Cemetery Hill. The other divisions (Willcox and 
Potter) were then to move forward, and form on the right 
and left. Ferrero’s (colored) division of the same corps, was 
to follow in the track of Ledlie. The Eighteenth Corps was 
then to support the grand assault; and if more troops were 
wanted, Ayres, of the Fifth, w T as to be moved in. 

As soon as General Meade hears this—that our advance 
will not move beyond the crater—he orders Burnside, at forty 
minutes after five, to push forward to the crest all his own 
troops, and to call on General Ord to move forward his 
troops of the Eighteenth Corps at once. Potter and Willcox 
have advanced to the right and left of Ledlie. Ferrero, with 
the colored division, was to have followed in rear of Ledlie, 
but the commander, who had remained in rear of the main 
line of the Ninth Corps works, when ordered to move, said 
there was no room until the troops already in his front should 
be moved out of the way. We are inclined to agree with 
him. His troops, however, after some further delay, were 
moved into the crater, where, with the rest, they moved for¬ 
ward, to be badly cut up, and then huddled, only increasing 
the confusion, and eventually the slaughter. Meade, on ac- 


THE MINE AT PETERSBURG. . 


371 


count of the continued delay in moving out of the crater, di¬ 
rected Ord to push his corps forward; but that officer very 
properly declared that this was impracticable, there being 
no opening except that made by the crater, which was now 
crowded with men. 


THE CRATER. 

The scene in* the crater baffles all attempts at description. 
In this irregular chasm, two hundred feet long, sixty wide, 
and thirty deep, were clustered, among the wrecks of the ex¬ 
plosion, the dead, and the buried alive, thousands of our men, 
with no competent commanders to lead them. Many were 
soon in a state of wild delirium; half-buried rebels were cry¬ 
ing out, “ Yanks, for God’s sake, take me out; I’ll do as much 
for you some time.” Many were crying for water. The con¬ 
fusion became worse confounded. It was a horrible chaos 
come again. * 

Potter’s division, and some of the colored troops, get out of 
the crater, two hundred yards in advance ; but the rebels have 
aroused from their stupor. The guns of Cemetery Badge have 
a direct fire upon the crater. Batteries to the right and left, 
pour in a cross enfilading fire. Some say the rebels are infu¬ 
riated at the sight of the colored troops. The place becomes 
a veritable hell on earth. Literally, “ cannon to right of 
them,” to the left, in front; and soon the intervening space is 
swept. To remain in the crater is certain death ; to advance 
is impossible; to retreat is death; and it seems for the 
same reason impossible to succor them by sending more 
troops. The officers have no longer any control. The car¬ 
nage is frightful. 

Burnside is now directed, at nine o’clock, to withdraw his 
troops at his discretion : this he does at about two in the 
afternoon. Every thing had failed. The mine, a great suc¬ 
cess under difficulties, had resulted in next to nothing. Y \ r e 
are fortunate in having the fullest account of it, as an investi¬ 
gation was ordered; and the Court of Inquiry, composed of 


372 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Hancock, Ayres, and Miles, published its finding and opin¬ 
ion. From these we make a few quotations. The court 
says : 

Tlie causes of failure are— 

1. The injudicious formation of the troops in going forward, the movement 
being mainly by flank instead of extended front. General Meade’s order indi¬ 
cated that columns of assault should be employed to take Cemetery Hill, and 
that proper passages should be prepared for those columns. It is the opinion 
of the court that there were no proper columns of assault. The troops should 
have been formed in the open ground in front of the point of attack, parallel to 
the line of the enemy’s works. The evidence shows that one or more columns 
might have passed over at and to the left of the crater, without any previous 
preparation of the ground. 

2. The halting of the troops in the crater instead of going forward to the 
crest, when there was no fire of any consequence from the enemy. 

3. No proper employment of engineer officers and working parties, and of 
materials and tools for their use, in the Ninth Corps. 

4. That some parts of the assaulting columns were not properly led. 

5. The want of a competent common head at the scene of the assault, to di¬ 
rect affairs as occurrences should demand. • 

Had not failure ensued from the above causes, and the crest been gained, 
the success might have been jeoparded by the failure to have prepared in sea¬ 
son proper and adequate debouches through the Ninth Corps’ lines for troops, 
and especially for field artillery, as ordered by Major-General Meade. 

The reasons why the attack ought to have been successful, are— 

1. The evident surprise of the enemy at the time of the explosion of the 
mine, and for some time after. 

2. The comparatively small force in the enemy’s works. 

3. The ineffective fire of the enemy’s artillery and musketry, there being 
scarcely any for about thirty minutes after the explosion, and our artillery be¬ 
ing just the reverse as to time and power. 

4. The fact that some of our troops were able to get two hundred yards be¬ 
yond the crater, towards the crest, but could not remain there or proceed fur¬ 
ther for want of supports, or because they were not properly formed or led. 

To these clear, candid, and impartial words, we need add 
nothing; nor is it necessary for us to introduce the blame at¬ 
tached by the court to certain officers in this connection. It 
is on record for those who desire to read it. 

General Grant was exceedingly disappointed at the result, 
as indeed he had a right to be. He had marched and coun- 


THE MINE AT PETERSBURG. 


373 


* 

termarched the Second Corps and Sheridan’s cavalry, in 
order to confuse the enemy, and all for nothing. Our losses, 
which were very great, numbered as follows: Killed, forty- 
seven officers, and three hundred and seventy-two enlisted 
men; wounded, one hundred and twenty-four officers, one 
thousand five hundred and fifty-five men ; missing, ninety-one 
officers, one thousand eight hundred and nineteen men;—to¬ 
tal, four thousand and three. 


374 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


CHAPTER XXXV. 

THE REBEL ADVANCE ON WASHINGTON. 

Early moves down the Valley.—Grant sends up the Sixth and Nineteenth. 
—Wallace moves.— Is defeated, but detains Early.—Destruction.—Wright 

IN COMMAND.—EARLY RETREATS.—TlIE SHENANDOAH VALLEY.—GRANT VISITS 

Hunter.—Sheridan—Let loose.— W T inchesteb. 


We must now go back, in point of time, to the beginning of 
July, and turn to the consideration of an event which promised 
to give Grant great additional trouble, and which caused him, 
as w^e have before indicated, to detach some of his troops, and 
send them northward for the defence of Washington towards 
the line of the Potomac. 

When Hunter retreated from Lynchburg into Western Vir¬ 
ginia, the ever-memorable Valley of the Shenandoah was left 
open to the enemy, for raids across our frontier, into the loyal 
States of Maryland and Pennsylvania. The rebel authorities 
were not slow to avail themselves of the opportunity thus 
afforded. A considerable force was moved down the Valley, 
under General Jubal Early, who had resumed the command 
during the disability of Ewell, with the intention of invading 
the North, opening the way for larger bodies, and perhaps so 
working upon the fears of our people, and the authorities at 
Washington, as to force Grant to abandon the siege of Peters¬ 
burg. Early’s force was bis own corps, with a portion of that 
of Breckinridge, and detachments, making in all from twelve 
to fifteen thousand men. 



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NORTHERN PART OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 




































376 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Grant was disappointed at tliis new obstacle to his plans; 
but liis ready resources did not fail him. 

He ordered Hunter, who was now in Western Virginia, to 
move as rapidly as possible, by river and railroad, to Harper’s 
Ferry. But Hunter’s delays were great. The water was low 
in the river, and the railroad was broken in several places. 
To meet this emergency, troops must be had at once; there¬ 
fore, early in July, the Sixth Corps was taken from its lines in 
front of Petersburg, and sent to cover Washington. The 
Nineteenth Corps, under General W. H. Emory, which had 
been ordered from the Gulf as soon as Grant had heard of the 
failure of the Bed Biver expedition, had just arrived in Hamp¬ 
ton Boads: without disembarking, it was also pushed after 
the Sixth. Bickett’s division of the Sixth was sent to Balti¬ 
more. Wright, with the remainder, subsequently went to 
Washington. 

In a military point of view, the enemy deserves great credit 
for the bold stroke he now made. Thundering down the Val¬ 
ley, on the 3d of July he was at Martinsburg. Sigel, who had 
a small command there, at once retreated across the Potomac 
to Shepardstown. Weber, in command at Harper’s Ferry, 
likewise evacuated the town, occupying the Maryland Heights 
opposite. The enemy, being now unobstructed, crossed the 
river at Williamsport and Point of Bocks, and on the 6th of 
July was at Hagerstown; from which he pushed a strong 
column towards Frederick, and other detachments to destroy 
the railroad and canal, and to plunder the surrounding towns. 
Grant’s foresight had been admirable, and the re-enforcements 
had been sent not a moment too soon. 

WALLACE MOVES. 

General Lewis Wallace, in command of the Department of 
Annapolis, with his headquarters at Baltimore, taking with 
him his own command, and Bickett’s division of the Sixth— 
eight thousand in all—promptly moved out, first to Frederick, 
and then took position on the Monocacy, near the railroad 



THE REBEL ADVANCE ON WASHINGTON. S77 

crossing, where, on the 8th of July, he fought the advancing 
enemy. The contest was unequal. The enemy were sixteen 
thousand strong. Except the Sixth Corps, Wallace’s com¬ 
mand consisted of one hundred days’ men, heavy artillery 
regiments, invalids, and volunteers ; and although he was de¬ 
feated by a flank movement of Early upon his right, he de¬ 
serves great credit for his prompt advance, his brave recep¬ 
tion of the impetuous rebel attack', and, in a word, for doing 
every thing in his power, with the inadequate means at his 
command. By this course of conduct he employed and de¬ 
tained the enemy, while Wright could reach Washington with 
the remainder of the Sixth Corps and the advance .of the 
Nineteenth. 

These troops entered Washington at the very nick of time; 
for the enemy, inspirited by his success on the Monocacy, at 
once moved upon the Federal capital; while Wallace fell back 
to defend Baltimore. On the 10th of July, Early’s cavalry 
was at Rockville. On the 12th, the commander of the troops 
in Washington, General Augur, threw out a reconnoissance in 
force from Fort Stevens, and encountered the enemy, losing 
two hundred and eighty killed and wounded; but skirmishing 
was continued during the day, and the enemy retired that 
night, recrossing the Potomac at Portersville and Edwards’ 
Ferry. 

Let every man have his just tribute. To give the arch¬ 
enemy his due, the rebels certainly gave us a good scare, and 
accomplished humiliating wonders in this brief period. The 
rebel cavalry destroyed a long stretch of the Northern Central 
Railroad, and burned Gunpowder Bridge; and, reaching a 
thoroughfare never dreamed to be insecure, captured a train 
on the Philadelphia and Baltimore road. 

At a quarter before twelve o’clock, on the night of the 12th, 
Grant telegraphed to Washington to have General Wright put 
in command of all the troops in the field there ; and he urged 
that our men should now be put out of the trenches, and push 
Early vigorously at every step of his retreat. In accordance 
with these directions, Wright began the pursuit, and overtook 


378 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


the rear-guard of Early at Snicker’s Ferry, on the Shenandoah, 
where a sharp battle ensued, in which the enemy was worsted. 
Averill, who had promptly moved up the Yalley with his cav¬ 
alry, caught a portion of Early’s force at Winchester, and de¬ 
feated them, capturing four guns and five hundred prisoners. 

■ • 

THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 

The very difficult duty now devolved upon Grant of direct¬ 
ing the movements of troops from City Point,—difficult, be¬ 
cause not only were they out of his sight, but he had conflict¬ 
ing reports of the details of the operations. Messages and 
orders crossed each other in such a manner as to confuse, not 
only the lieutenant-general, but also General Wright and the 
authorities at Washington. 

His first impulse, when he found Early retreating, was to 
bring back the Sixth and Nineteenth corps to Petersburg, and 
make a new assault on Lee before Early could re-enforce him ; 
but orders to that effect were postponed, and at length coun¬ 
termanded, as soon as he found that Early did not design to 
return to Bichmond, but meant to continue his operations in 
the Yalley. Grant then directed General Hunter, who had 
now arrived with his troops from Western Yirginia, to main¬ 
tain a defensive in the Yalley, and thus deter the rebels from 
again advancing on Washington. 

Again concentrating his forces, on the 24tli Early attacked 
Crook and Averill, and flanking them, drove their forces 
through Winchester and across. the Potomac. Pie was now 
ready for a forward movement. On the 25th he again came 
proudly forward, as if to cross the river ; and to meet him, 
Grant ordered the Sixth Corps to Harper’s Perry. 

Connected with this movement of Early, was a rebel raid 
into Pennsylvania by a small cavalry force—only three or four 
hundred—under McCausland, which perpetrated the diaboli¬ 
cal outrage of burning the undefended town of Chambersburg, 
because the people would not, or could not, pay half a million 
of dollars ransom. He then retreated, with our cavalry aftei 


THE REBEL ADVANCE ON WASHINGTON. 


379 


him, to Cumberland, where being met and defeated by Gen¬ 
eral Kelly, his force dispersed into Western Virginia. 

But the main body of Early was by no means so easily 
moved. They were reaping the splendid harvests of the 
Valley, and sending large supplies to Richmond. We have 
already referred to the difficulty of communicating orders at 
this most perplexing period. From the time of Early’s first 
raid, the telegraph wires w r ere down between Waslihjgton and 
City Point. To send messages and receive answers required 
from twenty-four to thirty-six hours. New developments 
and constantly changing circumstances gave rise to contra¬ 
dictions, embarrassments, and misconceptions. It was evi¬ 
dent to Grant that he must have one competent head there, 
and it was due to this that he projected the Middle Military 
Division, to which we shall presently refer ; and on the 2d of 
August he ordered General Sheridan to Washington, with a 
view of assigning him to the command of this new division, 
wffiich was subsequently done. 

Indeed our position in that quarter was extremely pre¬ 
carious, and might well give the lieutenant-general the deep¬ 
est concern. No time could be lost in irresolution. The 
enemy was concentrated in the neighborhood of Winchester, 
while the bulk of our forces were still on the Monocacy, at the 
crossing of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. 

Thus Western Maryland and Southern Pennsylvania were 

exposed to invasion, should the rebels be bold enough to 

attempt it; and yet Grant hesitated, without an examination 

of the field himself, to order a forward movement, for fear of 

• 1 
exposing Washington. 

GRANT VISITS HUNTER. 

In order, therefore, to act with full intelligence, he left City 
Point on the 4th of August, and went in person to the import¬ 
ant points in this theatre of operations. On the 5tli he visited 
General Hunter, and gave him written instructions to concen¬ 
trate all his forces near Harper’s Eerry, using the railroad to 


380 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


its utmost, in order to save time. He further instructed Hun¬ 
ter, if the enemy should move north of the Potomac, to move 
north promptly and attack him ; but if the enemy should 
move southward, sending only small raiding parties to tbe 
north, then Hunter was to push southward after him, without 
a moment’s delay, using the large force of cavalry which he 
had to enable him to do so. He also directed Hunter to sweep 
the Yalley clean of provisions, forage, and stock—to destroy 
what lie could not use, but to protect the buildings as far as 
possible. As if to add another word of caution to the already 
explicit instructions, Grant told him to keep the enemy always 
in sight. 

In accordance with these instructions, Hunter’s troops were 
put in motion at once, and the advance reached Halltown, on 
the railroad to Winchester, that night. 


THE MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION. 

In Grant’s interview with Hunter, this general, without at all 
asking it, had expressed his willingness to be relieved from the 
command; which offered Grant the opportunity of carrying out 
the purpose, already indicated, of forming the Middle Military 
Division, and giving Sheridan the temporary command over 
all the generals and troops in the departments of Western 
Virginia, Washington, and the Susquehanna—up to this time 
separate and independent commands. The cavalry divisions 
of Torbert and Wilson were at once ordered up from the 
Army of the Potomac to Harper’s Ferry ; and Sheridan, who . 
was waiting at Washington, was ordered, on the night of the 
5tlp to come up by the morning train to Harper’s Ferry. 

This Sheridan did ; relieved Hunter at once ; and received, 
in addition to the written instructions to Hunter, special in¬ 
structions from Grant, who then, better satisfied with the con¬ 
dition of things, immediately returned to City Point, to super¬ 
vise the operations around Petersburg and Piclimond. Tor¬ 
bert’s division of cavalry arrived at Harper’s Ferry on the 11th 


THE REBEL ADVANCE ON WASHINGTON. 331 

of August, and Torbert became chief of cavalry to Sheridan’s 
army. 

SHERIDAN. 

With his usual sagacity, Grant had made an admirable 
choice of a commander. A young man—then only thirty- 
three years of age—Sheridan had already become the most 
distinguished cavalry officer in the service. He was a gradu¬ 
ate of West Point, and devoted to the profession of arms. To 
great and untiring energy, dashing bravery, and enthusiasm 
in fighting, he added the natural gift of being able to control, 
in an electric manner, the affections and wills of his men ; and 
he was now to show that he had strategic intuitions of the 
first order, and tactical intelligence of the most clear and 
rapid kind. To no better man in the whole army could the 
difficult task have been assigned of utilizing all the troops, 
and grasping the strategy of this extensive and important 
division. 

He at once brought order out of the chaos. To confront 
the enemy, who had fallen back as if to lure bun forward, and 
who now occupied the west bank of Opequan Creek, covering 
Winchester, Sheridan posted his forces in front of Berry- 
ville. They consisted of the army which Hunter had brought 
up from Western Virginia ; the Nineteenth Corps under Emo¬ 
ry ; and the Sixth Corps, under Wright; with the commands 
of Crook and Averill; in all 40,000 men, of whom 10,000 were 
cavalry. Torbert had command of the cavalry. 

Movements were made back and forward, and there were 
numerous cavalry engagements. When Sheridan feared that 
Early was going to decamp, he fell back, to hold him in his 
front. 

Acting with proper caution, Grant did not yet feel author¬ 
ized to permit him to bring on a general engagement, fearing 
that, if w^e were defeated, Maryland and Pennsylvania might 
be open to the rebel incursion. But on the other hand, it was 
of great importance to us to secure the use of the Baltimore 
and Ohio Bailroad and of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal; 


382 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


and if successful in a battle, we should be no niore troubled 
bj the threats or fears of a rebel invasion at the North. 

Sheridan was very anxious to attack; and so Grant, after 
weighing the chances well, determined to risk it. But fearing 
to give orders to that effect, without himself knowing the 
ground and the positions, and without an exact knowledge of 
Sheridan’s views, he again left City Point, on the 15th of Sep¬ 
tember, and had an interview with Sheridan at Charlestown, 
not far from Harper's Perry. 

SHERIDAN LET LOOSE. 

Never was commander-in-chief more fully satisfied with the 
knowledge and power of a subordinate, than was Grant with 
the statements of Sheridan. Two words, he said, contained 
all the orders it was necessary for him to give, and these 
were, “ Go in /” It was like the “ Icdssez alter ” of the 
heralds to the impatient knights at the old tournaments. 
Grant asked him if he could be ready to move on Tuesday 
morning. Sheridan said, “ Yes, and before; on Monday 
morning, before daylight.” General Grant adds, in his re¬ 
port : “ He was off promptly to time ; and I may here add, 
that I have never since deemed it necessary to visit General 
Sheridan before giving him orders.” High praise, tersely 
expressed, and richly deserved. With this permission to 
move—to change a skilful defensive (which had, indeed, 
enabled him to perfect his organizations) into one of the most 
brilliant offensives recorded in any war, and upon which the 
historian would fain linger, forgetful of the proper relation of 
the parts of his narrative—with this permission begins a mag¬ 
nificent series of victories. 

4 

WINCHESTER. 

» 

On the morning of the 19th, he attacks Early at the crossing 
of the Opequan, fights him all day until five o’clock, with severe 
losses on both sides, but beats him thoroughly; carries his 
entire positions, from the Opequan to Winchester, and drives 


THE REBEL ADVANCE ON WASHINGTON. 


383 


liim through Winchester, taking several thousand prisoners 
and five guns. Early is absolutely stupefied at the shock. 
This is not the fighting he has been accustomed to, nor will 
he ever be. Great credit is undoubtedly due to Sheridan’s 
subordinates ; but Sheridan is the life of the entire battle, and 
in giving the enemy this taste of his quality, he sets an ex¬ 
ample to his own troops of what he expects of them in the 
future. 

Early had lost three thousand five hundred killed and 
wounded, five thousand prisoners, five guns, and fifteen battle- 
flags. Three of his generals were killed and four -wounded. 
Among the former was reported General Fitzhugh Lee. Not 
only was Early driven through Winchester, but he was sent 
“ whirling up the valley,” so vigorously pursued, that he did 
not make a stand until he reached Fisher’s Hill, thirty miles 
below Winchester. 

Here again, by a rapid and. overwhelming assault, pursuing 
his favorite tactics of columns attacking in front—the Sixth 
in the centre and the Nineteenth on the left, and a flanking 
reserve of cavalry on each flank in succession—Sheridan dis¬ 
lodged and routed him on the 20th, pushing him down 
through Harrisonburg and Staunton, and scattering portions 
of his force through the gaps of the Blue Ridge. 

Sheridan then returned leisurely to Strasburg, and posted 
his victorious forces, for a brief season of rest, behind Cedar 
Creek. The operation had been brilliant in the extreme. 
From early morning on the 19th of September to the 25th, 
Early had lost his positions, his prestige, and ten thousand 
men, with a large number of guns. 

Torbert was now dispatched to Staunton on a destructive 
raid, during which he tore up seven miles of the Virginia 
Central Railroad, and destroyed the iron bridge across the 
Shenandoah. All the grain which he could not use was like¬ 
wise destroyed, to keep it from the enemy, should he return 
on our track, which, it was certain, he would endeavor to do. 

We can only briefly advert to the other movements in the 
Valiev. On the 8th of October, General Rosser, a “new 


384 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


cavalry general,” came up to try liis hand on a portion of 
Sheridan’s force, but was soon “settled” by an attack on his 
front and flanks, in which he lost caissons, ambulances, sup¬ 
plies, and wagons, and was pursued up the Yalley “on the 
jump.” 

' CEDAR CREEK. 

The rebel troops in the Yalley, thus roughly handled, lost 
confidence in Early, and Longstreet was sent with large re¬ 
enforcements to command and reassure them. Again his 
cavalry suffered, but, nothing daunted, the rebel general now 
undertook one of the most daring operations of the war, and 
one that narrowly escaped being a success almost as brilliant 
as the recent victories of Sheridan. With his force well in 
hand, he rapidly crossed the mountains which separate the 
forks of the river ; forded the North Fork, came upon our left 
flank, which was not properly protected; crept along the 
front of Crook’s Corps, thus exposing himself to immense 
danger. But, favored by darkness and fog, he came into 
position unobserved, and just before dawn of the 19th of 
October, his men were lying in battle order not six hundred 
yards distant from our unsuspecting lines. Sheridan was 
absent, and the enemy knew it. The rebels also believed that 
the Sixth Corps had been withdrawn from the Yalley and sent 
to Grant. Those real advantages gave them power; the sup¬ 
posed advantages strengthened their morale. When fairly in 
position, they sprang up with an unearthly yell, poured 
upon our sleeping troops, seized batteries, which they turned 
upon us, enfilading our lines, and rolled back our left. The 
confusion spread—the troops began to retreat—in parts it 
was a rout. 


SHERIDAN RIDES POST FROM WINCHESTER. 

Sheridan was at Winchester, twenty miles away, when 
the distant and faintly audible booming of cannon struck 
his ear. He mounted in hot haste, and riding like a 



SHERIDAN’S OPERATIONS IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY, 



























































336 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


courier, lie arrived upon the field at ten o’clock, his horse 
covered with foam, and, like the Twin Brethren at the Lake 
Regillus, his presence stayed the ebbing tide, and turned it 
into a destructive flood. Moving like lightning among the 
retreating troops, he swung his hat in the air, shouting at the 
top of his voice, “Face the other way, boys! we are going 
back!” Pushing forward past the stragglers, who at once 
began to rally, he reached the main body, repeating his fiery 
words. “ Boys,” he added, “ if I had been here, this never 
should have happened; we are going back.” Arranging and 
strengthening .liis lines while the enemy had, most of them, 
stopped for a time to plunder our camps, he was just in readi¬ 
ness to move forward, when the rebels came in for a new 
and overwhelming assault. Resisting this manfully, he caught 
its surge, and hurled it back; assumed the offensive; 
attacked again in two columns ; employed his cavalry in vigor¬ 
ous charges on both flanks ; succeeded, with Custer’s divi¬ 
sion, in turning their left and rolling it up, and again routed 
them. Thus he snatched victory out of the jaws of defeat. 
And all this—no one can gainsay it—was due to the brilliant 
genius and personal elan of Sheridan himself. The slaughter 
of the enemy was great. Me captured almost every thing 
they had, including the guns and camps which we had lost 
in the morning. The rout of the enemy was again complete. 
They flew to Staunton on wings of fear, while Sheridan pur¬ 
sued as far as Mount Jackson. No one was more gratified 
than Grant, who, as soon as he heard the news, telegraphed 
to the Secretary these words : 

“I had a salute, of one hundred guns fired from each of the armies here, in 
honor of Sheridan’s last victory. Turning what bid fair to be a disaster into a 
glorious victory, stamps Sheridan, what I have always thought him, one of the 
ablest of generals . 

“ U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.’ 4 

This was, as it might well be, the last attempt of the enemy 
to invade the North through the Shenandoah Yalley, which 
was now called, for them, the Yalley of Humiliation. 


THE REBEL ADVANCE ON WASHINGTON. 


387 


General McClellan haying resigned his commission, to take 
effect on the 8th of November, it was ordered by the Presi ¬ 
dent : 

“ That for personal gallantry, military skill, and just confidence in the cour¬ 
age and patriotism of his troops, displayed by Philip H. Sheridan on the 19th 
of October at Cedar Run, whereby, under the blessing of Providence, his routed 
army was reorganized, a great national disaster averted, and a brilliant victory 
achieved over the rebels for the third time in pitched battle within thirty 
days, Philip H. Sheridan is appointed major-general in the United States Army, 
to rank as such from the 8th day of November, 1864.” 

Such a prestige as that now established by Sheridan en¬ 
abled Grant to take the Sixth Corps and two cavalry divisions 
to the vicinity of Petersburg. 

The historian would fain linger upon such brilliant records 
as these, but it is necessary that we should now return to take 
a brief survey of what was being done in the Army of the 
Potomac. 


Names of Union Forts around Petersburg. (See Map facing next page.) 


A. Fort McGilvery. 

B. Fort Steadman. 

C. Fort Hascall. 

D. Fort Morton. 

E. Fort Meikle. 

F. Fort Rice. 

G. Fort Sedgwick, or Fort Ilell. 

H. Fort Davis. 

I. Fort Prescott. 

K. Fort Alexander Hayes. 


L. Fort Howard. 

M. Fort Wadsworth. 

N. Fort Dusliane. 

O. Fort Davison. 

P. Fort McMahon. 

Q. Fort Stevenson. 

E. Fort Blaisdel. 

S. Fort Patrick Kelley, 

T. Fort Bross. 


Forts on the Prolongation of the Lines west of the Weldon Railroad. 


4 


B. Fort Urmston. 
■ C. Fort Conahey. 


A. Fort Keene. 


G. Fort Wheaton. 
II. Fort Sampson. 


I. Fort Cummings. 


D. Fort Fisher. 

E. Fort Welch. 

F. Fort Gregg. 


K. Fort Emory. 

L. Fort Siebert. 

M. Fort Clarke. 


Forts Protecting City Point. 


O. Fort Abbott. 

P. Fort Craig. 

Q. Fort Graves. 

R. Fort McKeen 


S. Fort Lewis O. Morris. 

T. Fort Merriam. 

U. Fort Gould. 

V. Fort Porter 


Names of certain Rebel Forts around Petersburg, 


the mine explosion, 

c. Reeves’ Salient. 


a. Colquit’s Salient. 

b. Pegram’s Battery, the fort blown up at 


d. Fort Mahone. 

e. Fort New Orleans. 
f Fort Lee. 


•X. Fort Harrison (on Cbapiri’s Farm, north of James River). 



388 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 




CHAPTEB XXXVI. 


AROUND PETERSBURG. 

Adjustment op Works.—jWment north op the James.—To the Weldon road. 
The cattle raid.—Movement on both flanks.-The westward movement.—But¬ 
ler moves.—The Army op the Potomac in motion.—The Dutch Gap Canal.— 
Gregg at Stoney Creek.—Comparative rest. 


The greater part of July ancl the early days of August were 
spent in a proper adjustment of the defensive works, and in 
strengthening them from the Appomattox to the Jerusalem 
plankroad. The important points were crowned with redoubts, 
and heavy siege-batteries were erected in the most advan¬ 
tageous positions. 

In the early part of August, the lieutenant-general, believ¬ 
ing that Lee had detached three divisions from Petersburg to 
re-enforce the rebel army in the Shenandoah Valley, deter¬ 
mined to make a strong diversion north of the James in favor 
of another movement against the Weldon road. 

Let us look at these co-operative movements in their order. 
To this end the Second Corps was placed on transports and 
ostentatiously moved down the river, as if proceeding to For¬ 
tress Monroe; but, under cover of night, the vessels turned 
and steamed up the river, and the expeditionary force landed 
at Deep Bottom on the 14th of August. There it was 
joined by a cavalry division under Gregg, and a force from 
Butler’s army under Birney, which marched from Bermuda 
Hundred and crossed the river on the ponton-bridge at Deep 
Bottom. 



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AROUND PETERSBURG. 


389 


Tlie general order of battle, superintended by General 
Grant, who visited the field, was as follows : The cavalry well 
thrown out on the Charles City road; the Second Corps on 
the right, and the troops of the Army of the James on the left, 
while the gunboats moved up to shell the rebel works as our 
troops advanced. The whole force moved out silently from 
Strawberry Plains towards the enemy. On the 14th, Hancock 
manoeuvred to the right, connecting with the cavalry, and an 
attack was made upon the enemy’s position, in which Birney’s 
troops were quite successful, capturing the enemy’s rifle 
trenches, and westing from him four guns, four colors, and 
several hundred prisoners. In this engagement, the Tenth 
Connecticut and Fourteenth Massachusetts regiments greatly 
distinguished themselves. The attack of Barlow’s division, 
made at the same time, was not quite so successful. Again 
Hancock manoeuvres to find weak points in which to attack, 
and on the 16tli another assault is made, but without import¬ 
ant results. Gregg makes a fearless advance on the right; 
drives the enemy’s cavalry before him to White’s tavern; 
but is in turn driven back by strong re-enforcements of the 
enemy, to Deep Bun, where he makes a stand. In these 
actions the rebels lost heavily, and among their killed were 
Generals Chambless and Glierardie. The 17tli, 18th, and 
19tli were spent by the troops in skirmishing. On the night 
of the "18th a strong attack of tlie enemy was handsomely 
repulsed : but the main purpose of the movement north of the 
James is already accomplished; and besides, the enemy is 
too strong to be broken there. Grant has learned that Lee 
has not detached three divisions to the Shenandoah, but only 
one , that of Kershaw. This movement north of the James 
has retained the others, which were under marching orders 
when it began. On the 20th, Hancock, who has already sent 
back one division, that of Mott, is ordered to take the re¬ 
mainder of his corps back to Petersburg, to be in readiness 
for the movement by the left. Our losses north of the James 
were about five thousand. 


390 ' 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


TO THE WELDON EOAD. 

Having attracted tlie enemy’s attention to tlie north side 
of the James River, and given him some concern as to the 
defences of Richmond in that quarter, Grant now put War¬ 
ren in motion, on the 18th of August, with four days’ 
rations, to strike the Weldon road at Six-mile Station, near 
Globe Tavern. Warren reached this point and began to 
destroy the track. On the 19th his position was thus fully 
three miles from the left of our intrenched line on' the 
Jerusalem road. While he was extending his pickets to 
connect, the eneni} r , ever ready and skilful to take advan¬ 
tage of gaps—those open joints in the harness of armies 
—thrust in heavy masses in the form of a Virginia brigade, 
under Watkins, and a Mississippi brigade, under Davis, 
(the two forming Mahone’s division of Hill’s corps), struck 
his right flank heavily, held by Crawford, and turned upon 
his right rear. This attack was of the nature of a surprise, 
but Warren was equal to the emergency, and although he 
lost several hundred prisoners at the first, he changed front 
to meet the flanking dash, moved the divisions of Willcox and 
White (late Ledlie’s), of the Ninth Corps, to strengthen his 
right, and sustained a violent attack of Heth’s division of 
Hill’s corps on his left, wdiich was at first partially successful. 
In this action on the left we lost many prisoners, and among 
them, General William Hays. The result of this engage¬ 
ment presents a decided balance in our favor. For although 
we had lost heavily, we had gained permanent possession of 
the Weldon road, and had intrenched upon it, while notwith¬ 
standing the valor of the enemy, the prisoners he boasted, 
and the skilful attacks which at first broke our line and sent 
it back in confusion, he had lost the railroad forever, the 
question, par excellence , for which he was fighting. 

On the 20th our troops on the left were allowed by the 
rebels to rest and strengthen the new position, which should 
have been at once assaulted, had Hill hoped to succeed. After 
thus giving us twenty-four hours of invaluable time, Hill at- 


AROUND PETERSBURG. 


391 


tacked, on the 21st, to dislodge Warren, striking boldly onr 
left wing and centre simultaneously, but without success. 
Their attack having failed, Warren then made a gallant riposte , 
in which he captured four flags and four hundred prisoners. 
In this action General Cutler was wounded, and the brave 
Colonel Dushane of the Maryland brigade was killed. 

The advanced position of Warren on the left now led to a 
gradual extension of the other corps westward. The Second, 
under Hancock, was moved in the vicinity of the Weldon 
road on the 22d ; and on the 23d, Miles’ division and Gregg’s 
cavalry were once more dispatched to the fatal Kearns’ Sta¬ 
tion, to destroy it. The enemy contesting the advance of this 
force, Hancock goes down to its assistance with Gibbon’s di¬ 
vision, and driving the rebel troops away, Hancock’s command 
proceed with the destruction of the road on the 24th. But 
the enemy is not disposed to yield the station. On the 25th 
he comes down in stronger force, and obliges Hancock to con¬ 
centrate and fight a battle there. The attack was made with 
great fury, and after several handsome repulses, he succeeds 
in breaking a portion of our line, and capturing five guns. 

Upon the receipt of intelligence that Hancock was pressed, 
Meade sent down Willcox’s division of the Ninth Corps to his 
assistance, but it did not arrive until the action was over. At 
nightfall Hancock withdrew his force, the enemy moving away 
at the same time. During this brief period our losses had 
been great. From the 18th to the 21st inclusive, they were 
not less than five thousand men, and in the battle at Kearns’ 
on the 25th, they numbered two thousand five hundred. 


We are not prepared to concede that the losses at Kearns’ 
Station were compensated for by the results ; indeed it seems 
to have been proven that we did not need that position, for 
after many severe actions it was eventually abandoned to the 
rebels. But the great movement began on the 18th of August 
resulted in our permanent occupancy of the Weldon Kailroad. 
The enemy fell back to within three miles of Petersburg, and 


we were at once enabled to follow, and intrench on the rail¬ 
road, within, three and a half miles of the - city, with, our skir- 


392 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


mishers advantageously thrown out to a point near the 
Vaughan road. Our intrenchments were laid out on this new 
line connecting with the former left on the Jerusalem road. 

For a brief period the army again had rest, and an oppor¬ 
tunity to strengthen their positions. By the 13th of Septem¬ 
ber a railroad was completed, uniting the City Point and 
Petersburg road with the Weldon road ; thus insuring supplies 
of all kinds, without concern as to the weather, which had 
often made wagoning difficult in the extreme. 

4 

THE CATTLE RAID. 

Just at this time occurred a stratagem of the enemy, known 
as the famous Cattle Raid , which indicated at once the diffi¬ 
culty of attaining perfect security in rear of such an extended 
postion, and also the danger of neglecting proper precautions, 
because the security seems great. Three regiments of rebel 
cavalry came swiftly down through our lines to Coggins’ 
Point, surprised the small force guarding the grazing-ground, 
and succeeded in driving off two thousand five hundred head 
of cattle collected there, and helping the rebels to a few 
rations of fresh beef, with the hearty laugh of “ those who 
win,” at our expense. 

MOVEMENT ON BOTH FLANKS. 

While constantly keeping an eye on the Southside Bailioad, 
General Grant, satisfied that on so extended a line as the 
rebels were compelled to hold, in order to confront his 
own, there must be weak spots, and that these points were 
mostly to be found on or near their flanks, determined to 
make a demonstration on the north side of the James Biver, 
with Butler’s troops, in co-operation with one to be - made 
by Meade against the enemy’s right,—a mode of tactics which 
would require the movement of rebel troops to the greatest 
distances, and which would be ready to punish his concentra¬ 
tion on one flank by an overwhelming attack on the other. 


AROUND PETERSBURG. 


393 


The movement north of the James was under General Orel. 
The Tenth Corps, under Birnej, and Orel’s (Eighteenth) corps, 
crossed on the ponton-brielge to Deep Bottom, on the night of 
the 28th of September, an el moving forward the next morning 
against Fort Morris, and the long line of intrenchments just 
below Chapin’s farm, they successfully assaulted these. The 
Eighteenth Corps was on the left, Birney in the centre, while 
the cavalry exteneled to the right. Sixteen guns were captured 
in this engagement. Ord took Fort Morris. But, in pursuing 
this success, that general was wounded, and General Godfrey 
Weitzel succeeded to the command. General Burnham was 
killed. In front of the intrenchments mentioned was a strong 
work called Fort Gilmer, which resisted the attack of the 
Eighteenth Corps, although some of the stormers reached the 
ditch; but Birney took New Market Heights, while the cav¬ 
alry, under Kautz, taking advantage of the battle, penetrated 
by the road to the right to the toll-gate, only two or three 
miles from Bichmond. Here the multiple lines of the enemy’s 
works checked their advance, and Kautz was obliged to re¬ 
tire. But this movement of our right had resulted in a val¬ 
uable success. We had gained a strong position, from which 
the enemy could not dislodge us. 

THE WESTWARD M0VEMEMT. 

Let us now turn to the left, from which the counter-move¬ 
ment was to be made. On the 30th of September, General 
Grant had ordered the demonstration to be made, for the 
alternative purpose of seeing whether the enemy had weakened 
his lines at that point—of which he would at once take ad¬ 
vantage—and also to prevent such a movement of troops as 
would crush the force operating north of the James. 

The expeditionary force in this direction was composed of 
two divisions of the Fifth Corps, under Warren, and two of 
the Ninth, under Parke., They moved from our left towards 
Poplar Spring Church and Peeble’s farm, which points the 
enemy had strongly intrenched, to cover our approaches upon 

the Southside Bailroad. Gregg’s cavalry accompanied this 

17 * 


394 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


force, and moved further towards the enemy’s right and rear. 
Griffin’s division of the Fifth Corps came upon the enemy’s 
intrencliments on Peeble’s farm, and gallantly stormed the 
rifle-pits and a small redoubt, taking one gun and about one 
hundred prisoners. Ayres’ division of the same corps moved 
up the Squirrel Level road, and also carried a small work in 
its front. Parke, moving past them on the left, towards the 
Boydton plankroad, was met by the enemy in force, and com¬ 
pelled to fall back for a short distance ; but Griffin moved up 
to his support, and the enemy was thus checked. Gregg’s 
advance on this day drove the enemy before it. As soon as 
word had reached Meade’s headquarters that Parke was 
pressed, Mott’s division of the Second Corps was pushed for¬ 
ward to his assistance. This was on the 1st of October, but be¬ 
fore these re-enforcements arrived the conflict was at an end. 

By this time Gregg had reached the Duncan road, where he 
had a sharp encounter with the enemy, and succeeded in driv¬ 
ing him back with loss. Amonsr the rebel killed was General 
Dunnovan. The success thus far assured now led to a com¬ 
bined advance along the line, which found the enemy strongly 
intrenched. Having gained a new point of value in our en¬ 
circling movement to the left, it was thought best to intrench 
in the enemy’s front, and join this new acquisition to our 
former left flank. Our losses, in these actions, were about 
two thousand five hundred in killed, wounded, and prisoners. 

Thus our approaches were slow, but sure, and the enemy 
found himself daily more contracted in his lines, with his com¬ 
munications constantly threatened. On the 7tli of October 
the enemy made a new movement against the cavalry of 
Kautz, north of the James, to turn our left flank, which re¬ 
sulted in disaster. He lost nine guns, and a considerable 
number of prisoners ; but when he fell back to our infantry 
positions, all efforts of the enemy to take them were entirely 
unsuccessful. 

Pending these movements, there was much picket and 
artillery firing all along the line of the trenches, in front of 
Petersburg, especially in the neighborhood of the salient 


AROUND PETERSBURG. 


395 


called “ the sore point,” and “ Fort Hell,” which was the 
soubriquet of Fort Sedgwick, covering the Jerusalem plank- 
road. 


BUTLER MOVES. 

On the 13tli of October, General Butler again made a strong 
reconnoissance, resulting in an assault designed to drive the 
enemy away from some new works which the rebels were 
constructing, but they were found too strong, and the partial 
attack was repulsed. On the 15th, Mr. Stanton, the Secre¬ 
tary of War, visited the armies operating against Richmond 
and Petersburg, accompanied by the chiefs of the Quarter- 
master and Commissary departments, and the Surgeon-Gen¬ 
eral, to find out the condition of the troops, and to provide all 
that should be needed. 

THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC IN MOTION. 

It was now late in the autumn, and approaching the winter, 
in ■yvliich movements on a large scale in that quarter must be 
suspended; but before such a period of comparative inaction 
should set in, Grant determined to make one solid effort to 
find the enemy’s right flank. To this end, orders were issued 
for the movement of the entire Army of the Potomac, leaving 
only the necessary guards of the trenches and redoubts. 
The men were provided with four days’ rations for the infan¬ 
try, and three for the cavalry, and the army left its intrench- 
ments, secretly and suddenly, on the morning of Thursday, 
the 27th of October. The new objective was the South Side 
railroad, and the prospect of breaking the enemy’s line. 

A glance at the terrain which was to be the principal field 
of operations from this time until the last days of the struggle, 
will show that the enemy, after being forced to abandon the 
Weldon road, placed such dependence upon the Boydton 
plankroad that he covered this by works extending from the 
rhdit of his Petersburg defences; and the crossing of this road 


396 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


at Hatcher’s Bun became a point in dispute. Should he lose 
this road, the White Oak road became an important line ; and 
should that be flanked, as it eventually was at Five Forks, the 
Southside Bailroad must be strongly fortified, or it would fall 
into our possession. Hancock, with the Second Corps, moved 
forward, crossed Hatcher’s Bun, on the Vaughan road, and 
reached the Boydton road, near Burgess’s mills, on the run, 
thus being only about six miles distant from the Southside 
road. Two divisions of the Fifth, with some cavalry, moving 
in advance on our left, forced the passage of the run at Arm¬ 
strong’s Mills, and then marched up the run towards the 
railroad, to join Hancock. But the country was almost a terra 
incognita; the only map we could obtain was an old one of Din- 
widdie County; the thickets were dense, and the roads wind¬ 
ing, and therefore this junction was not made. The efforts of 
the Ninth Corps were repelled by the strongly posted enemy, 
and after due consideration, Grant, finding that we could not 
strike his flank, and that in an attack in front the enemy 
fought at great advantage, issued orders to return. Before 
these could be carried out, however, the enemy, with char¬ 
acteristic adroitness, penetrated into the space between 
the Fifth and Second corps, and struck a heavy blow upon 
the flanks of both. It should be observed that the command¬ 
er of neither corps considered the orders he had received as 
contemplating a junction of the corps, and that the penetration 
of the enemy was due to the nature of the ground, and not to 
the fault of the corps commanders. With commendable 
judgment and rapidity, however, Hancock faced his corps to 
meet the attack, and, after a sanguinary conflict, he drove the 
enemy away, and then complied with the orders, and with¬ 
drew. The Army of the Potomac returned to its intrench- 
ments, having gained little besides the practical knowledge of 
the ground, which was to be fought over many times before 
the end should be. 

In accordance with a system established on so many prece¬ 
dents, while this movement was going on, Butler made another 
demonstration on the north, in two columns, which attacked 


AROUND PETERSBURG. 


397 


the enemy on the "Williamsburg road and on the York River 
Railroad. In the first he was unsuccessful, and in the second 
he took a fort, which, however, was afterwards abandoned. 

THE DUTCH GAP CANAL. 

We must here mention a project or experiment made by 
General Butler, to cut off a long double stretch of the James 
River. The peninsula known as Farrar’s Island, inclosed in 
this loop of the river, is, at the nearest points of the river, 
less than half a mile wide. On the *10tli of August work was 
begun on a deep cut at this point, which it was hoped would 
open a passage for our iron-clads. It was prosecuted with 
vigor, negroes being employed as laborers ; and afterwards, 
rebel prisoners were set to digging by Butler, under fire of 
their batteries, in retaliation for rebel outrages. The project 
was never popular; and among the men it was proposed, in 
the way of pleasantry, that courts-martial should sentence 
hardened offenders to two years’ hard labor on the Dutch Gap 
Canal. On the 25th of November the steam dredging-ma¬ 
chine was sunk by the enemy’s shot. On the 1st of January 
the bulkhead was blown out, but the earth came cruelly back 
into the canal; and on the 2d, the enemy’s enfilading batteries 
ploughed through it from end to end. Although small vessels 
eventually passed through it, it was useless during the war, 
but may become of value hereafter for purposes of peaceful 
commerce. 

The quiet at Petersburg was now only broken by slight re- 
connoissances and artillery firing. 

GREGG AT STOKEY CREEK. 

On the 4th of December, Gregg marched with his cavalry 
to the crossing of the Weldon Railroad at Stoney Creek. It 
had been reported that the enemy was constructing from this 
point a branch railroad to connect with the Southside road. 
Here he found a part of the grading made ; but after a slight 







398 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


resistance, lie succeeded in burning tlie buildings and supplies 
of material, and set out on liis return. He was fiercely fol¬ 
lowed by Hampton, wlio harassed his rear. Gregg’s dispo¬ 
sitions were skilful. His second brigade brought up the rear, 
and held the enemy in check ; and when hard pressed, the 
first brigade relieved it, the second marching past it. The 
first was in turn relieved by the third ; and thus he returned 
to the army. 


.COMPARATIVE REST. 

From this time, the operations of the armies of the Potomac 
and the James were principally of a defensive character. 
The lines were strengthened, and busy preparations were 
made for the spring campaign, designed and destined to be 
the final one. On the 28th of November, General Hancock 
was commissioned to recruit, as rapidly as possible, a new 
corps, to be called the First Corps ; and General Humphreys, 
who had been General Meade’s chief of staff, was promoted to 
the command of the Second, which he exercised with signal 
ability during the remainder of the war. 

Notwithstanding the vague threats of the rebel journals, 
that Lee was contemplating some grand movement, General 
Grant now permitted many officers to go on furlough for 
Christmas holidays. Nor were the festivities of the season 
forgotten in camp. Luxuries were sent down to the soldiers 
by loving friends and admiring countrymen at the North ; and 
that Christmas in camp will long be remembered with pleasure 
by the soldiers. . 

It is proper now to take advantage of this pause, to place 
on record what had been done by the Army of the Potomac, 
after a campaign unparalleled in the annals of war, ancient or 
modern. The want of proper documents, alone prevents our 
giving similar statements with regard to the Army of the 
James,—a lack which we sincerely regret. 


AROUND PETERSBURG. 


399 


Tabular Statement of Casualties in the Army of the Potomac , from May 5, 1864, to 

November 1 , 1864. 


BATTLES. 

DATES. 

KILLED. 

WOUNDED. 

MISSING. 

Aggre¬ 

gate. 

Officers. 

Enlisted 

Men. 

Officers. 

Enlisted 

Men. 

Officers. 

Enlisted 

Men. 

Wilderness. 

Spottsyl vania ... 

North Anna. 

Cold Harbor. 

Petersburg. 

Ditto. 

Ditto. 

Trenches........ 

Weldon RR. 

Reams’ Station.. 
Peeble’s Farm... 

Trenches. 

Boydton Pl’kr’d. 

May 5 to 12. 

May 12 to 21. 

May 21 to 81. 

June 1 to 10. 

June 10 to 20. 

June 20 to July 30. 

July 30. 

Aug. 1 to 18. 

Aug. 18 to 21. 

Aug. 25. 

Sept. 30 to Oct. 1.. 
Aug. 18 to Oct. 30. 
Oct. 27 to 28. 

. 269 
114 
12 
144 
85 
29 
47 
10 
21 
24 
12 
13 
16 

3,019 

2,032 

138 

1,561 

1,113 

576 

372 

128 

191 

93 

129 

284 

140 

1,017 
259 
67 
421 
361 
120 
124 
. 58 
100 
62 
50 
91 
66 

18,261 

7,697 

1,063 

8,621 

6.492 

2,374 

1,555 

626 

1,055 

484 

738 

1,214 

981 

177 

31 

3 

51 

46 

108 

91 

1 

104 

95 

56 

4 

8 

6,667 

248 

324 

2,355 

1,568 

2,109 

1,819 

45 

3,072 

1,674 

1,700 

800 

619 

29,410 

10,381 

1,607 

13,153 

9,665 

5,316 

4,008 

868 

4,543 

2,432 

2,685 

2,417 

1,902 

796 

9,776 

2,796 

51,161 

775 

23,083 

88,387 


Statement showing the Number of Colors captured from the Enemy , during the Operation/ 
of the Army of the Potomac, f rom May 4, 1864, to November 1,' 1864. 


Number of Colors captured... 67 

Captured by Cavalry Corps. 3 

Captured by Second Corps.40 

Captured by Fifth Corps.10 

Captured by Sixth.Corps. 3 

Captured by Ninth Corps. 11 

- 67 


Note.— The foregoing statement is made up of the reports of captured 
colors that had been received at this time. 

Two divisions of the Cavalry Corps and the Sixth Corps having been trans¬ 
ferred from the Army of the Potomac, it is not certainly known that all the 
colors captured by these troops, prior to their transfer, are here reported. 


Statement showing the Number of Prisoners captured by the Army of the Potomac , during 
the Operations from May 4, 1864, to November 1 , 1864. 


From May 1 to May 12. 7,078 

From May 12 to July 31.6,506 

From July 31 to August 31. 573 

From August 31 to September 30.'. 78 

From September 30 to October 31.1,138 


Total.15,373 


Note.—T he tabular statements here made are taken from unpublished ma 
terial, kindly furnished me by a staff-officer of General Grant. 

































































400 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS, 


Statement slmving the Numlter of Guns captured from the Enemy , also the Number of 
Guns lost , during the Operations of the Army of the Potomac, from May 4, 1864, to 
November 1 , 1864. Thirty-two guns were captured, and twenty-jive guns lost , as 
follows: 


Date. 

Corps. 

Number. 

Where. 

Remarks. 

Cupt’d. 

Cost. 

May 5 

Fifth. 

— 

2 

Wilderness. 

Winslow’s battery “D,” First 
N. Y. Artillery. 

“ 10 

\ 

Second. 

— 

1 

South of the Po 
River. 

Brown’s battery “ B,” First 
R. I. Light Artillery. 

“ 11 

Cavalry. 

2 

— 

Yellow Tavern. 

“ 12 

Second. 

20 

— 

Spottsylvania. 


June 17 

Ninth. 

4 

— 

Petersburg. 


“ 22 

Second. 

— 

4 

Ditto. 

McKnight’s Twelfth N. Y. 
battery. 

“ 29 

Cavalry. 


8 

Reams’ Station. 

Maynadier’s, “K,” First U. S., 
4 ; Fitzhugh’s, “ C” and 
“E,” 4. 

July 28 

Second. 

4 

— 

Jones’ Neck. 

* 

“ 28 
Auer. 15 

Cavalry. 

Second. 

1 

1 

Deep Bottom. 

Denison’s, “ A,” Second U. S.- 

“ 25 

Second. 

— 

9 

Reams’ Station. 

Sleeper’s Tenth Mass, batt., 4; 
McKnight’s, Twelfth N. Y., 1. 

Sept. 30 

Fifth. 

1 

32 

25 

Poplar Gr. Ch. 


While thus we leave the armies around the rebel capital in 
winter-quarters, and Grant in his little wooden hut at City 
Point, it becomes necessary to cast a glance around the hori¬ 
zon, and note the work which was done, and which was to be 
done, elsewhere. In the biography of any other general, this 
would be only an incidental mention ; but it must be remem¬ 
bered, that although Grant had his headquarters with the 
Army of the Potomac, he had the entire control of all the 
armies in the field, and his plans were formed with reference 
to the combined movements of all the armies. 






















OTHER PARTS OF THE GREAT THEATRE. 


401 


CHAPTER XXXVII. 

OTHER PARTS OF THE GREAT THEATRE. 

Sherman.—Hood moves into Tennessee.—General Thomas.—General Hood.— 
Mobile.—Price invades Missouri.— To Wytheville and Saltville. 


SHERMAN. 

It is not within onr scope to give a detailed account of the 
doings of this illustrious general. They constitute a special 
theme, and are elsewhere written. We shall only present the 
outline. 

Moving from Chattanooga, with the three armies of the 
Cumberland, the Tennessee, and the Ohio (commanded, re¬ 
spectively, by Generals Thomas, McPherson, and Schofield), 
he marched upon Johnston at Dalton ; and when that com¬ 
mander fell back upon the strong position of Buzzard’s Roost, 
Sherman, moving forward with Thomas and Schofield in front, 
turned the position by sending McPherson to Snake Gap. 
Johnston fell back to Resaca ; and after a desperate battle 
there, retreated to Cassville, and across the Etowah River. 
After a rest, Sherman moved to Dallas, and thus turned the 
Alatoona Pass. After several fierce battles near New Hope 
Church, in the neighborhood of Dallas, Johnston retreated to 
Kenesaw, Pine Hill, and Lost mountains, where he strongly 
intrenched himself. Once more Sherman moved by the right 
flank ; and Johnston crossed the Chattahoochee, eventually 


402 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


falling back upon Atlanta. Here, dissatisfied with the tactics 
of Johnston, the rebel authorities relieved him, and placed 
Hood in command. At this point, a furious battle ensued, in 
which General McPherson was killed, and his army tempo¬ 
rarily commanded by General Logan, until Howard was 
assigned to the command. 

But Hood’s fierceness met no better fate than Johnston’s 
retreating tactics. Sherman makes a flank movement by the 
right, on the Montgomery and Macon Railroad, and Hood has 
no alternative but to retire from Atlanta, which was at once 
occupied by General Slocum, with the Twentieth Corps, on 
the 2d of September. Sherman spends some time in refitting 
at Atlanta, and preparing for a new move, while the enemy, 
seemingly now purposeless, moves round to the north to 
cut the communications, which Sherman was preparing to 
abandon. 

Amazed at Hood’s folly in leaving the south utterly de¬ 
fenceless, Sherman did not waste much time in following and 
driving his army before him ; but, making his arrangements 
to leave Thomas to protect Tennessee and take Hood in 
charge, sets out on that magnificent march southward, 
which has no parallel in our history. Detaching the Fourth 
Corps, under Stanley, and the Twenty-third, under Schofield, 
to Thomas, he begins his movement on Savannah on the 14tli 
of November, threatening Augusta and Macon as he ad¬ 
vances, and finding no enemy to oppose him in that “ grand 
gallop through Georgia.” Never had the people so lost their 
confidence in the Confederate government as now. Their cry 
of agony was fierce and bitter. Passing around the City of 
Savannah, he stormed Fort McAllister, while Beauregard 
and Hardee were only too glad to escape with the garrison 
of the city. 

Leaving the thread of Sherman’s movements for future 
consideration, let us now look at Hood. 


OTHER PARTS OF THE GREAT THEATRE. 


403 


HOOD MOVES INTO TENNESSEE. 

Tlie Confederate commander, a gallant soldier but an un¬ 
skilful general, breaks up liis encampments at Tuscumbia 
and Florence, and marches northward upon a road which 
leads him to swift destruction. Of this movement General 
Grant says, with simple, but severe criticism: “ Hood, instead 
of following Sherman, continued his move northward, which 
seemed to me to be leading to his certain doom. At all 
events, had I had the power to command both armies, I 
should not have changed the orders under which he seemed 
to be acting.” Our observing corps, under Schofield, which 
had been watching his advance, now retire rapidly before 
him. Hood comes on so fast that it becomes necessary to 
fight a battle at Franklin, in order to get our trains across 
the Big Harpeth Biver and into Nashville. The battle of 
Franklin was skilfully fought by Schofield on the 30th of 
November, our lines being drawn up in semi-circular form, 
w r ith both flanks resting on the river. All Hood’s attacks 
were repulsed, and Schofield did not fall back until after he 
had accomplished his purpose, and the trains were secure. 
The rebel loss was six thousand ; ours, two thousand three 
hundred. He had six general officers killed, six wounded, 
and one captured. Of this battle, General Grant speaks 'as 
follows: “ This was the first serious opposition the enemy 
met with, and, I am satisfied, was the fatal blow to all his 
expectations. During the night, General Schofield fell back 
towards Nashville ; this left the field to the enemy—not lost 
by battle, but voluntarily abandoned, ' so that General 
Thomas’s whole force might be brought together.” 

Hood now advanced upon Nashville, and drew his lines 
around the city, but was no sooner in position than Thomas 
attacked, broke his lines, and, in a battle which lasted two 
days, defeated and routed him, capturing nearly all his artil¬ 
lery, and a large number of prisoners, and driving him south- 
ward, a disorganized mass of stragglers rather than an army. 
He had come into Tennessee with fifty thousand men, impa- 


404 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


tient for action and certain of victory. He left it with less 
than twenty-five thousand, never again to have any value or 
status as an army in the field. 

GENERAL THOMAS. 

I 

General Grant had felt greatly concerned at this bold ad¬ 
vance of Hood, and feared that Thomas was postponing too 
late the auspicious moment to check and hurl it back. His 
views at this time, and the great satisfaction which he experi¬ 
enced at the result, we will present in his own words : 

“ Before the battle of Nashville, I grew very impatient over, as it appeared 
to me, the unnecessary delay. This impatience was increased upon learning 
that the enemy had sent a force of cavalry across the Cumberland into Ken¬ 
tucky. I feared Hood would cross his whole army, and give us great trouble 
there. After urging upon General Thomas the necessity of immediately as¬ 
suming the offensive, I started west to superintend matters there in person. 
Reaching Washington City, I received General Thomas’s dispatch announcing 
his attack upon the enemy, and the result, as far as the battle had progressed. 
I was delighted. All my fears and apprehensions were dispelled. I am not 
yet satisfied but that General Thomas, immediately upon the appearance of 
Hood before Nashville, and before he had time to fortify, should have moved 
out with Ids whole force and given him battle, instead of waiting to remount 
his cavalry, which delayed him until the inclemency of the weather made it 
impracticable to attack earlier than he did. But his final defeat of Hood was so 
complete, that it will be accepted as a vindication of that distinguished officer’s 
judgment.” 

The battle of Nashville did more than vindicate the judg¬ 
ment of Thomas; it set an additional seal to his reputation, 
as a cool, determined, and far-seeing general. Without 
evincing that electric brilliancy which characterizes generals 
of the first historic class, he stands high among those solid, 
rock-like men who shine most in dark hours, and who earn 
laurels in periods when they would often be lost by more 
brilliant men. He was appointed major-general in the regu¬ 
lar army, to rank as such from the 15th day of December— 
the date of his success at Nashville. 


OTHER PARTS OF THE GREAT THEATRE. 405 

GENERAL HOOD. 

Entirely apart from political considerations, it becomes 
every soldier to speak with pity and respect of liis antagonist 
Hood. He was brave, devoted, and self-sacrificing; and if, 
in his own language, he was “ responsible for the conception 
of that campaign,” we believe it is equally true that he 
“ strove hard to do his duty in its execution.” He had lost 
the use of an arm at Gettysburg, and had lost a leg at the 
battle of Chickamauga. But the military critic must share 
the opinion of the lieutenant-general, and find him guilty of 
violating one of the first maxims of warfare, by “ doing what 
his enemy wanted him to do.” Such men are invaluable 
when controlled, but should never be placed in chief com¬ 
mand. 

It is not deemed necessary in this summary of the actions, 
within the vast theatre controlled by the lieutenant-general, 
to dwell upon the minor operations, except so far as they 
bear upon the strategy of the war. Among these are to be 
classed the merciless raids of Forrest, cutting our communi¬ 
cations between the East and West. He was brought to his 
bearings at Tupelo, on the 14th of July, by A. J. Smith. 
He was driven from Paducah by General Hicks; and he re¬ 
ceived the surrender of Fort Pillow, to perpetrate one of the 
most inhuman massacres recorded in military history—the 
murder of helpless prisoners, white and black, after they had 
surrendered in good faith. 


MOBILE. 

We must now turn for a moment to glance at the condition 
of affairs at Mobile. General Canby had been placed in 
command of the military division west of the Pacific. In the 
latter part of July, Admiral Farragut projected an attack 
upon the forts at the entrance of Mobile Bay, and with him 
was sent, from Canby’s department, a land force under Gen¬ 
eral Gordon Granger. We have not space in which to tell 


406 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


the brilliant story which has given such lustre to the name of 
Farragut. Fort Gaines surrendered on the 8th of August, 
and Fort Powell, on the island opposite, was blown up on the 
9th. Fort Morgan, on the opposite side of the chief entrance, 
was at once invested by the land troops, and surrendered on 
the 23d. The captures were fourteen hundred and sixtv-fiw 
prisoners, and one hundred and four guns. 

PRICE INVADES MISSOURI. 

Let us turn now a hurried glance to another prominent por¬ 
tion of the field. Near the end of August, the rebel General 
Price had collected at Jackson Post a force of ten thousand 
men, to invade Missouri, which was in command of General 
Rosecrans, with an adequate force to defend it. Price ad¬ 
vanced rapidly to the attack of Pilot Knob, and forced the 
garrison to retreat; but such temerity and foolhardiness 
could not long go unpunished. 

General Curtis collected such forces as he could to prevent 
his invasion of Kansas, while Pleasonton, with the cavalry of 
Rosecrans, moved rapidly in his rear. The result was not 
doubtful. Compelled to fight on the Big Blue River, Price 
was defeated with a loss of his trains and artillery, and fled 
ingloriously into Northern Arkansas. Although gratified 
with the result, Grant was not satisfied with the handling of 
the troops. He says in his report : “ The impunity with 
whieh Price was enabled to roam over the State of Missouri, 
and the incalcuable mischief done by him, show to how little 
purpose a superior force may be used. There is no reason 
why General Rosecrans should not have concentrated his for¬ 
ces and whipped Price before the latter reached Pilot Knob.” 

On the 24th of September, Forrest took Athens in Ten¬ 
nessee, and from that point proceeded to Huntsville, which 
he summoned twice, but it refused to surrender. He then re¬ 
turned to Athens, which had been reoccupied by our troops, 
and summoned it, but with no greater success. 


OTHER PARTS OF THE GREAT THEATRE. 


407 


TO WYTHEYILLE AND SALTVILLE. 

An expedition of General Burbridge to Saltville, in Vir¬ 
ginia, having been successful, the rebel General Breckinridge 
entered East Tennessee and attacked Gillem at Morristown, 
and captured his artillery and a number of prisoners. Just 
at this juncture, General Stoneman, uniting the commands of 
Burbridge and* Gillem, near Bean’s Station, proceeded to 
operate against Breckinridge, and also proposed to destroy 
the salt-works at Saltville, and the railroad into Virginia as 
far as possible. This expedition was eminently successful. 
Stoneman defeated Vaughn, of Breckinridge’s command, on 
the 16tli of December, at Marion ; destroyed Wytheville and 
the lead-works ; and pushed on to Saltville, where he broke 
up the salt-works. He then returned General Burbridge to 
Lexington, and General Gillem to Knoxville. 


408 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


\ 


C 


CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

FOET FISHEE. 


The troops l^nd.— The bombardment and assault.—Comments.—Wilmington 

falls. 


We come now to tlie consideration of a very important 
movement, in which Grant was more immediately interested 
than in those just referred to—the combined movement of the 
fleet and army to capture the strong works which defended 
the entrance, by the Cape Fear Fiver, to Wilmington. This 
city was by far the most valuable of the few seaports yet left 
to the enemy ;—a snug harbor for blockade-runners, which 
carried in those articles of vital need to the Confederacy, and 
paid themselves liberally with the cotton which they brought 
out. Its strategic value was the greater because our navy 
could not seal it by a blockade. It was necessary to gain 
possession of a long strip of land north of New Inlet, and 
ending at Federal Point. Upon this the chief work was Fort 
Fisher, which presented a strong front to the sea, joining with 
another which looked northward. To take this, land troops 
were necessary, and these the lieutenant-general provided as 
soon as they were asked for. Admiral Porter had collected 
in Hampton Foads the largest flotilla ever assembled for an 
assault on a single point. Universal attention was attracted 
to it, and with that freedom of speech, which all the terrors of 
a military law could not curtail, journals at the North gave 



FORT FISHER. 


409 


full publicity to the army of the South concerning its purpose. 
The enemy was thus enabled to strengthen his lines of de¬ 
fence to their utmost. On this account, the movement was 
postponed until the latter part of November. When all 
things were in readiness, Grant was called upon for an ade¬ 
quate force, which the winter inaction of the armies’ opera¬ 
ting against Richmond enabled him to provide. 

The lieutenant-general went in person to Hampton Roads 
with General Butler, from whose department the troops were 
to be taken, to confer with Admiral Porter. In that confer¬ 
ence it was determined that a force of six thousand five hun¬ 
dred men would be sufficient; and as it was believed that 
Bragg had gone to Georgia, with the troops from Wilmington, 
to make head against Sherman, Grant and Porter were very 
anxious that the purpose of the expedition should be effected 
before he could return. The arrangements for the embarka¬ 
tion of the troops were confided to General Butler, but Gen¬ 
eral Weitzel was designated as commander of the expedition. 
The following are Grant’s instructions to Butler : 


City Point, Va., December 6, 1864. 

General—T he first object of the expedition under General Weitzel, is to 
close to the enemy the port of Wilmington. If successful in this, the second 
will be to capture Wilmington itself. There are reasonable grounds to 
hope for success, if advantage can be taken of the absence of the greater part of 
the enemy’s forces now looking after Sherman in Georgia. The directions you 
have given for the numbers and equipment of the expedition are all right, ex¬ 
cept in the unimportant matter of where they embark and the amount of in¬ 
trenching tools to be taken. The object of the expedition will be gained by 
effecting a landing on. the main land between Cape Fear River and the 
Atlantic, north of the north entrance to the river. Should such landing be ef¬ 
fected whilst the enemy still holds Fort Fisher and the batteries guarding the 
entrance to the river, then the troops should intrench themselves, and by co¬ 
operating with the navy, effect the reduction and capture of those places. 
These in our hands, the navy could enter the harbor, and the port of Wilming¬ 
ton would be sealed. Should Fort Fisher and the point of land on which it is 
built fall into the hands of our troops immediately on landing, then it will be 
worth the attempt to capture Wilmington by a forced march and surprise. If 
time is consumed in gaining the first object of the expedition, the second will 
become a matter of after consideration. 


18 


410 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


The details for execution are intrusted to you and the officer immediately in 
command of the troops. 

Should the troops under General Weitzel fail to effect a landing at or near 
Fort Fisher, they will be returned to the armies operating against Richmond 
without delay. 

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General. 

Major-General B. F. Botler. 

It may here be stated, on the authority of General Grant’s 
report, that the instructions thus sent by courtesy to General 
Butler, or some of them at least, did not reach General Weit¬ 
zel; nor did that officer know of their existence until Gen¬ 
eral Butler published his report, after the failure of the expe¬ 
dition. It further appears Grant did not intend Butler to go 
in command. On this point he says, in his testimony before 
the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War,—“Then 
(as they sailed down the river) was the first that I ever 
dreamed of his going witli the expedition. He knew that it 
was not intended that he should go.” 

Several days were still occupied in putting the powder-boat 
in order. Time was very valuable, and Grant became impa¬ 
tient. At length, on the 13th December, the transport fleet 
was under way, and, on the 15th, in the evening, arrived off 
New Inlet, near Fort Fisher ; but without a proper arrange¬ 
ment of time with the navy, for Porter, being obliged to put 
into Beaufort to get ammunition for the monitors, his fleet did 
not arrive off Fort Fisher until the evening of the 18th. An¬ 
other vexatious delay now occurred. The transports were 
declared to be out of coal and water; they must go back to 
Beaufort for these. At length, on the morning of the 24th, 
they reached the rendezvous. But, before the arrival of 
Butler, the powder-boat was taken in and exploded, with no 
results whatever. She had been brought around from Nor¬ 
folk in tow of the Sassacus; her dangerous lading had been 
adjusted at Beaufort; she had been placed under the command 
of one of the coolest and most intrepid officers of the navy— 
Commander A. C. Bhind; had been deftly carried in in the 
track of a blockade-runner ; had been anchored two hundred 


FORT FISIIER. 


411 


yards from tlie beach, and four hundred yards from the fort, 
and skilfully exploded, and “ nobody hurt.” 

THE TROOPS LAND. 

On the 25th the landing of the troops commenced, above 
Fort Fisher, and a reconnoissance was at once pushed towards 
the works. The opinion of General Weitzel was adverse to an 
immediate assault ;* and without waiting to learn the effect of 
the naval bombardment, and without landing in person to see 
the position of affairs for himself, Butler re-embarked his 
troops, and returned to Hampton Boads, to the utter surprise 
of General Grant, as well as of most of the officers of the 
expedition, for the order had been explicit that the troops 
should intrench themselves, although the enemy should hold 
Fort Fisher and the batteries guarding the entrance. 

Without entering further into the controversy, we may say, 
that there were two men who were not inclined to abandon 
the project without further examination : these were Grant 
and Porter; and both were stung by the exultation of the 
rebels at our voluntary and unnecessary retreat. 

The admiral still lay off the fort, and wrote to Grant for an¬ 
other leader, to bring the same number of troops, with whose 
co-operation he w T as certain of success. Grant now selected 
General Alfred H. Terry to lead the expedition, and sent down 
with him the same force which Butler had taken, adding only 
one small brigade, and, as a precaution, a small siege-train, 
which, however, it was not found necessary to land. The 
troops were principally Ames’s division, of the Twenty-fourth 
Corps; Terry’s First division, now commanded by Hawley; 
and Paine’s (colored) division of the Twenty-fifth. The same 
chief-engineer, Colonel (now General) C. B. Comstock, accom¬ 
panied the expedition, the fortune of which was to sit in 
judgment on the former one. 

Grant communicated direct to the commander of the expe¬ 
dition the following instructions: 


* Weitzel’s opinion, as to an immediate attack, was concurred in by most of the superior 
officers, and the committee hold that Butler was justified in not ordering the attack. 



412 GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 

City Point, Va., January 3, 1865. 

General -The expedition intrusted to your command has been fitted out 
to renew the attempt to capture Fort Fisher, N. C., and Wilmington, ulti¬ 
mately, if the fort falls. You will then proceed, with as little delay as pos¬ 
sible, to the naval fleet lying off Cape Fear River, and report the arrival of 
yourself and command to Admiral D. D. Porter, commanding North Atlantic 
Blockading Squadron. It is exceedingly desirable that the most complete 
understanding should exist between yourself and the naval commander. I 
suggest, therefore, that you consult with Admiral Porter freely, and get from 
him the part to be performed by each branch of the public service, so that there 
may be unity of action. It would be well to have the whole programme laid 
down in writing. I have served with Admiral Porter, and know that you can 
rely on his judgment and his nerve to undertake what he proposes. I would, 
therefore, defer to him as much as is consistent with your own responsibilities. 
The first object to be attained is, to get a firm position on the spit of land on 
which Fort Fisher is built, from which you can operate against that fort. You , 
want to look to the practicability of receiving your supplies, and to defending 
yourself against superior forces sent against you by any of the avenues left 
open to the enemy. If such a position can be obtained, the siege of Fort Fisher 
will not be abandoned until its reduction is accomplished, or another plan of 
campaign is ordered from these headquarters. 

My own views are, that if you effect a landing, the navy ought to run a 
portion of their fleet into Cape Fear River, whilst the balance df it operates on 
the outside. Land forces camiot invest Fort Fisher, or cut it off from supplies 
or re-enforcements whilst the river is in possession of the enemy. 

A siege-train will be loaded on vessels, and sent to Fort Monroe, in readiness 
to be sent to you if required. All other supplies can be drawn from Beaufort as 
you need them. 

Keep the fleet of vessels with you until your position is assured. When 
you find they can be spared, order them back, or such of them as you can 
spare, to Fort Monroe, to report for orders. 

In case of failure to effect a landing, bring your command back to Beaufort, 
and report to these headquarters for further instructions. You will not debark 
at Beaufort until so directed. 

General Sheridan has been ordered to send a division of troops to Baltimore, 
and place them on sea-going vessels. These troops will be brought to Fort 
Monroe, and kept there on the vessels until you are heard from. Should you 
require them, they will be sent to you. 

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General. 

Brevet Major-General A. H. Terry. 


This new expedition sailed from Fortress Monroe on the 
Gth of January, and was at Beaufort on the 8th. Owing to 
stress of weather, it did not rendezvous off the fort until the 


FORT FISHER. 


413 


evening of the 12th. The troops were landed on the 13th and 
14th, and, on the 14th, a strong reconnoissance was pushed 
forward to within five hundred yards of Fort Fisher, along the 
northeastern or land front. There was entire harmony be¬ 
tween Porter and Terry,—a fact'which the admiral afterwards 
published to the world in a letter, speaking of the commander 
of the land forces in terms of unmeasured, but merited eulo- 
gium. After an arrangement between these officers, the navy 
moved to a new bombardment, while Terry prepared his col¬ 
umns of attack. 

THE BOMBARDMENT AND ASSAULT. 

The fleet moved up to its work in three grand divisions, 
called the inner, middle, and outer columns ; while the iron¬ 
clads ranged in a distinct column directly under the guns of 
the fort. The bombardment began at a quarter before seven 
on the 15th, and continued until early afternoon, when the 
guns of the fort were silenced. Under cover of this fire, six¬ 
teen hundred sailors and marines were landed, under the 
command of Fleet-Captain Breese, to attack the eastern or sea 
front, while the storming party of land troops consisted of the 
brigades of Curtis, Pennypacker, and Bell. The rebel Gen¬ 
eral Hoke, in our rear, towards Wilmington, with five thou¬ 
sand men, was held in check by Abbot’s brigade, which had 
not been with the former expedition, and Paine’s division of 
colored troops. The fire of the fleet was now deflected from 
the points of attack, and at a given signal, at half-past three 
o’clock, the stormers rushed to the assault. The fort was 
held by about two thousand five hundred men, and the north¬ 
ern front was filled with traverses. The rush of the sailors 
was so gallantly made, that for a brief space the enemy 
thought it the chief attack. They were soon undeceived. 
Terry’s assaulting column, under Ames, broke down the 
already weakened palisades with axes, and were soon on the 
western part of the northern parapet; and although the ene¬ 
my fought with great valor, the stormers swept in, followed 
by the reserves, and in a few minutes the fort was ours, with 


414 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


all its garrison and equipage. The naval column, under Cap¬ 
tain Breese, although it failed to enter the work, did effective 
service as a diversion, and thus aided hi producing the result. 
Terry’s loss was one hundred and ten killed, and five hundred 
and thirty-six wounded. The navy lost three hundred and 
nine in killed and wounded. All this was on the 15th. On 
the 16tli and 17tli the enemy blew up Fort Caswell at the 
lower entrance, and Bald Head Battery opposite was taken, 
and thus we were in undisputed possession of both entrances 
by the Cape Fear Biver to Wilmington. 

On the 7th of January, Butler was relieved at Grant’s 
request, and ordered to report at Lowell, Massachusetts. 
General Ord superseded him in command of the department. 


COMMENTS. 


The actions which resulted in the capture of Fort Fisher 
have given rise to much controversy, and a weary stretch of 
correspondence. When Butler was relieved, he said, in his 
farewell order : “I have refused to order the useless sacrifice 
of the fives of such soldiers, and am relieved from my com¬ 
mand;” a Parthian shot, which failed to hit, “for want of 
strength in the bow.” Butler’s fault did not fie in not 
ordering the attack, but in not landing and intrenching, 
and making ready for a more auspicious moment. The as¬ 
sertion of the Admiral that “ the batteries of the fort were 
silenced completely,” was made upon reports which did not 
stand the test of full examination. The committee report— 
“ In the case of the first expedition, the bombardment by the 
fleet does not seem to have seriously impaired the efficiency of 
the fort. But few of the guns were injured, and the garrison 
seems to have suffered but small loss.” Again, Porter says : 
“ General Weitzel in person was making observations about 
six hundred yards off, and the troops were in and around the 
works. One gallant officer, whose name I do not know, went on 
the parapet and brought away the rebel flag we had knocked 
down. A soldier went into the works and led out a horse, 


FORT FISHER. 


415 


killing the orderly mounted on him, and taking his dis¬ 
patches from the body. Another soldier fired his musket 
into the bomb-proof among the rebels, and eight or ten 
others who had ventured near the forts were wounded by our 
shells.” 

To these statements, General Weitzel answers, in his tes¬ 
timony, “ The fact that one man or fifty men of an assaulting 
column get inside an enemy’s works, is no evidence whatever 
of success.” And even as to the statements themselves there 
may be a reasonable doubt, as there was great excitement, 
and, almost necessarily, accompanying exaggeration, under 
the effects of which Butler wrote a letter to Porter, from 
which we make the following quotation : 

“General Weitzel advanced his skirmish line within fifty yards of the fort 
while the garrison was kept in their bomb-proof by the fire of the navy, and so 
closely that three or four men of the picket-line ventured upon the parapet 
and through the sally-port of the work, capturing a horse, which they brought 
off, killing the orderly, who was the bearer of a dispatch from chief of artillery 
of General Whiting to bring a light battery within the fort, and also brought 
xway from the parapet the flag of the fort.” 

To which Porter replied as follows : 

“ I have ordered the largest vessels to proceed off Beaufort, and fill up with 
rum munition, to be ready for another attack in case it is decided to proceed 
with this matter by making other arrangements. 

“ We have not commenced firing rapidly yet, and could keep any rebels inside 
from showing their heads until an assaulting column was within twenty yards 
of the works. 

“ I wish some more of your gallant fellows had followed the officer who took the 
fag from the parapet, and the brave fellow who brought the horse out from the fort. 
I think they would have found it an easier conquest than is supposed. 

“ I do not, however, pretend to place my opinion in opposition to General 
Weitzel, whom I know to be an accomplished soldier and engineer, and whose 
opinion has great weight with me.” 

The following letter will give Grant’s view of the affair : 

Headquarters Armies of the United States, 
City Point, Va., January 7, 1865. 

To avoid publicity of the time of sailing and destination of the expedition 
against Fort Fisher, my orders to General Butler to prepare it were given ver- 
ballv and the instructions to the commanding officer of the expedition were 


416 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


made by him and submitted to me. I append to the report a copy of General 
Butler’s instructions to General Weitzel, together with copies of my dispatches 
and instructions to General Butler, relating to the expedition. It will be per¬ 
ceived that it was never contemplated that General Butler should accompany 
the expedition, but that Major-General Weitzel was especially named as the 
commander of it. 

My hopes of success rested entirely on our ability to capture Fort Fisher, 
and I had even a hope of getting Wilmington before the enemy could get 
troops there to oppose us. I knew that the enemy had taken nearly the entire 
garrison of Wilmington and its dependencies to oppose Sherman. I am in¬ 
clined to ascribe the delay which has cost us so dearly to an experiment. I 
refer to the explosion of gunpowder in the open air. 

My dispatches to General Butler will show his report to be in error, where 
he states that he returned, after having effected a landing, in obedience to my 
instructions. On the contrary, these instructions contemplated no withdrawal 
or a failure after a landing was made. 

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General. 

The lieutenant-general has published a report on this sub¬ 
ject, giving the orders and facts, from which it is unnecessary to 
draw. The success of the second attempt is the severest 
comment upon the sudden withdrawal of the first expedition. 
Words can never destroy, nor are they needed to substan¬ 
tiate, glaring facts. The court of inquiry upon Butler sat 
around Fort Fisher; Porter was the president and Terry the 
chief member, and the witnesses, every man, on land and 
fleet, that bore part in the action. 

It is due to General Weitzel’s opinion to record ^Whi¬ 
ting’s testimony, as taken down just before his death. In 
answer to the question, whether it was possible with 6,000 
men to have taken the work—at that time—by assault, he 
says : “ Possible, yes; probable, no.” The work w'as very 
strong, the garrison in -good spirits and ready, and the fire 
on the approaches (the assaulting column having no cover) 
would have been extraordinarily heavy. 


WILMINGTON FALLS. 

The movement upon Wilmington w T as at once begun. 
Terry’s force was not large enough to storm or flank the 


FORT FISHER. 


417 


outer defences; and so moving up close to tlie rebel works, ho 
waited for re-enforcements under Schofield, who had been 
detached by the lieutenant-general from Thomas’s command 
after the battle of Nashville. Schofield came up on the 15tli 
of February, and assumed command. On the 16tli, at night¬ 
fall, he moved Cox’s division across to Smitliville and up the 
right bank of the Cape Fear River, to take Fort Anderson in 

rear, while Porter enfiladed it with iron-clads. On the 18tli 

* 

our lines were strengthened for an assault, which the enemy 
saved us the trouble of making, by evacuating the works on 
the 19th at dawn. Cox pushed forward across Brunswick 
River to Eagle Island, thus flanking the peninsula defences, 
and, on the evening of the 21st, the enemy, burning hi^ cotton, 
resin, and supplies, evacuated the city of Wilmington. Our 
troops entered on the morning of the 22d, having lost not 
more than two hundred and fifty men since the fall of Fort 
Fisher. Another word-sentence of terrible import was thus 
WTitten : the handwriting on the wall was nearly completed. 

18 * 


418 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


CHAPTER XXXIX. 

• • 

CONCENTRATION. 

Plans or Sherman.—March ; the strategic usher.—Fort Steadman.—Sheri¬ 
dan’s GRAND MARCH.—SHERMAN’S VISIT.—The MOVEMENT TO THE LEFT. 

f 

When Thomas had been ordered to send Schofield east, 
Grant also directed him to send A. J. Smith’s corps and a 
cavalry division to Canby, for service in Northern Alabama 
and Mississippi. 

North Carolina had now become a field of great prospective 
interest, and Grant constituted it a distinct military depart¬ 
ment, of which he gave Schofield the command. His orders 
to Schofield are here given in extenso. 

City Point, Va., January 31, 1865. 

General— .... Your movements are intended as co-operative 

with. Sherman’s through the States of South and North Carolina. The first 
point to he attained is to secure Wilmington. Goldsboro’ will then be your 
objective point, moving either from Wilmington or Newbern, or both, as you 
deem best. Should you not be able to reach Goldsboro’, you will advance on 
the line or lines of railway connecting that place with the seacoast, as near to 
it as you can, building the road behind you. The enterprise under you has two 
objects: the first is to give Sherman material aid, if needed, in his march 
north ; the second, to open a base of supplies for him on his line of march. As 
soon, therefore, as you can determine which of the two points, Wilmington or 
Newbern, you can best use for throwing supplies from, to the interior, you 
will commence the accumulatiori of twenty days’ rations and forage for sixty 
thousand men and twenty thousand animals. You will get of these as many 
as you can house and protect to such point in the interior as you may be able 
to occupy. I believe General Palmer has received some instructions direct 
from General Sherman on the subject of securing supplies for his army. You 
can learn what steps he has taken, and be governed in your requisitions 
accordingly. A supply of ordnance stores will also be necessary. 


CONCENTRATION. 


419 


Make all requisitions upon tlie chiefs of their respective departments in the 
field with me at City Point. Communicate with me by every opportunity, and 
should you deem it necessary at any time, send a special boat to Fortress Mon¬ 
roe, from which point you can communicate by telegraph. 

The supplies referred to in these instructions are exclusive of those required 
for your own command. 

The movements of the enemy may justify you, or even make it your im¬ 
perative duty, to cut loose from your base, and strike for the interior to aid 
Sherman. In such case, you will act on your own judgment, without waiting 
for instructions. You will report, however, what you propose doing. The de¬ 
tails for carrying out these instructions are necessarily left to you. I would 
urge, however, if I did not know that you are already fully alive to the import¬ 
ance of it, prompt action. Sherman may be looked for in the neighborhood 
of Goldsboro’ any time from the 22d to the 28th of February. This limits your 
time very materially. 

If rolling-stock is not secured in the capture of Wilmington, it can be sup 
plied from Washington. A large force of railroad-men has already been sent 
to Beaufort, and other mechanics will go to Fort Fisher in a day or two. On 
this point I have informed you by telegraph. 

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General. 

Major-General J. M. Schofield. 

PLANS OF SHERMAN. > 

When Slierman had established himself at Savannah, it 
became a question of immediate importance as to the next 
use to be made of his army. The general plan was already 
indicated : he was to concentrate and co-operate with Grant; 
but in what manner might this be best accomplished ? The 
first mode of answering this question which suggested itself to 
Grant, was to order him to take transports and bring his 
army direct to City Point. But the Atlantic zone was almost 
free from rebel soldiers. Hood was so terribly beaten that his 
force coidd never seriously make head against any movement 
Sherman might propose. Besides, ocean transportation was 
scarce and miserable, and so Grant wrote countermanding his 
first letter, and asking for Sherman’s views. With a piercing 
vision, backed by a brave, self-reliant soul, Sherman, ready to 
do whatever he was ordered, expressed a desire to move on 
Columbia, South Carolina, and then to Baleigh. He seemed, 
besides, so confident of his ability to march up with no im¬ 
pediment that he could not brush aw r ay, that Grant sent him 


420 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


an order in general terms, on the 28th of December, directing 
liim to carry out liis plans; and in that way, to come up and 
join him before Richmond. Sherman was also informed that 
Schofield would march upon Goldsboro’ to co-operate with 
him. • Schofield had at Wilmington twenty-one thousand 
men, and there were eight thousand at Fort Fisher, and four 
thousand at Newbern, all of which were to move inland to 
join Sherman, should he succeed in marching up into North 
Carolina. 

In accordance with these plans, Schofield at once pushed 
forward two columns upon Goldsboro’, one from Wilmington 
and the other from Newbern, taking in the latter the division 
of General Innis Palmer, who had been in command there. 
Kinston was occupied, after a severe battle, on the 14th of 
February ; and after a rest, Goldsboro’ was entered on the 
20th. 

Sherman’s march northward to accomplish his part of the 
grand programme, was magnificent in the extreme. His 
army, spreading over a large surface whenever it marched, 
left Savannah on the 1st of February, and, flanking Charles¬ 
ton, entered Columbia on the 17th. Thence he moved on 
Goldsboro’, by the way of Winsboro’, Cheraw, and Fayette¬ 
ville, on the Cape Fear, and opened communication with 
Schofield by the Cape Fear River, on the 12th of March. At 
Averysboro’ the enemy, under Hardee, endeavored to impede 
his advance, and Sherman, fighting the battle in person, beat 
him and drove him away. Again, at Bentonville, the enemy 
attacked our advanced corps fiercely. At first we were driven 
back, but by the skilful management of Slocum, who com¬ 
manded the advance, the enemy could make no further im¬ 
pression upon our lines, and was forced to withdraw. The 
enemy were here commanded by General J. E. Johnston, 
whose first success is thus reported by General Lee : 

“ General J. E. Jolinston reports that about five o’clock p. m. on the 19th 
instant, he attacked the enemy near Bentonville, routed him, and captured 
three guns. 

“ A mile in the rear he rallied on fresh troops, but was forced back slowly 


CONCENTRATION. 421 

antil six P. m., when, receiving more troops, lie apparently assumed the offen¬ 
sive; which was resisted without difficulty until dark.” 

But sucli little daslies at our advance were of no value to 
tlie rebels, ancl of very little effect on us. The grand plan 
went on almost unimpeded, and Sherman joined Schofield at 
Goldsboro’, marching in the Armies of Tennessee and Georgia 
on the 23cl and 24th of March. There his troops—not wearied, 
but wanting clothing, shoes, and supplies—were halted, while 
these were brought up from the coast; and in the mean 
time, Sherman, feeling that the end was near, set out for a 
brief visit to City Point, where he met in conference the lieu¬ 
tenant-general, Mr. Lincoln, and other officers. The inter¬ 
view was very brief. He returned to Goldsboro’ on the 30th. 

We must here introduce the detailed instructions of Grant 
to General Thomas, indicating his cast in the great drama 
which was now in its last act : 


City Point, Va., February 14, 1805. 

General Canby is preparing a movement from Mobile Bay against Mobile 
and the interior of Alabama. His force will consist of about twenty thousand 
men, besides A. J. Smith’s command. The cavalry you have sent to Canby 
will be debarked at Vicksburg. It, with the available cavalry already in that 
section, will move from there eastward in co-operation. Hood’s army has been 
terribly reduced by the severe punishment you gave it in Tennessee, by deser¬ 
tion consequent upon their defeat, and now by the withdrawal of many of them 
to oppose Sherman. (I take it a large portion of the infantry has been so with¬ 
drawn. It is so asserted in the Richmond papers ; and a member of the rebel 
congress said, a few days since, in a speech, that one-half of it had been brought 
to South Carolina to oppose Sherman.) This being true, or even if it is not 
true, Canby’s movement will attract all the attention of the enemy, and leave 
an advance from your standpoint easy. I think it advisable, therefore, that 
you prepare as much of a cavalry force as you can spare, and hold it in readi¬ 
ness to go south. The object would be threefold : First, to attract as much of 
the enemy’s force as possible, to insure success to Canby ; second, to destroy 
the enemy’s line of communications and military resources ; third, to destroy or 
capture their forces brought into the field. Tuscaloosa and Selma would prob¬ 
ably be the points to direct the expedition against. This, however, would not 
be so important as the mere fact of penetrating deep into Alabama. Discretion 
should be left to the officer commanding the expedition to go where, according 
to the information he may receive, he will best secure the objects named above. 

Now that your force has been so much depleted, I do not know what number 


422 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


of men you can put into tlie field. If not more than five thousand men, how 
ever, all cavalry, I think it will be sufficient. It is not desirable that you 
should start this expedition until the one leaving Vicksburg has been three or 
four days out, or even a week. I do not know when it will start, but will 
inform you by telegraph as soon as I learn. If you should hear through other 
sources before hearing from me, you can act on the information received. 

To insure success, your cavalry should go with as little wagon-train as pos¬ 
sible, relying upon the country for supplies. I would also reduce the number 
of guns to a battery, or the number of batteries, and put the extra teams to the 
guns taken. No guns or caissons should be taken with less than eight horses. 

Please inform me by telegraph, on receipt of this, what force you think you 
will be able to send, under these directions. 

* U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General. 

Major-General George H. Thomas. 

Leaving General Thomas to carry out these instructions, 
we must now go back a brief space in the chronological order, 
to cast a glance at the armies in front of Petersburg and 
Richmond. We have spoken of winter inaction ; but this 
phrase must be understood only in a relative sense. In the 
first place, the weather and temperature had much to do in 
forcing a rest upon the troops ; and besides, as has been now 
seen, the time- must be spent by the lieutenant-general in 
bringing all his armies together, in concentration upon Rich¬ 
mond. But the inactivity was by no means unbroken. Many 
cavalry movements were made, to which we need not refer; 
but on the 31st of January, an important demonstration was 
ordered to be made by the Army of the Potomac, to look 
again for the enemy’s right flank, and threaten the Southside 
and Danville roads. Owing to preparations and the state of 
the weather, the army did not move, however, until the 5th of 
February. In the mean time, an unintermitted cannonade 
was ordered along the rebel lines, to keep their troops in 
place and cover the intended movement. 

THE MOVEMENT TO THE LEFT. 

# 

Gregg’s cavalry, followed by the Fifth Corps, under Warren, 
and the Second, under Humphreys, w~ere put in motion for 
Hatcher’s Run, with four days’ rations and several batteries. 


CONCENTRATION. 


423 


While the cannonade was still in progress, the cavalry moved 
down the Jerusalem road to Reams’ Station. Gregg met at 
Rowanty Creek a cavalry force, dismounted and behind breast¬ 
works, on the opposite side. These he dislodged, with the 
assistance of one infantry brigade of the Fifth Corps ; and 
thence he moved to Dinwiddie Courthouse, sending out scout¬ 
ing parties, one of which moved some distance unimpeded up 
the Boydton road. But he moved back the same night to 
Rowanty Creek. Humphreys, with two divisions, moved out 
on the Yaughan road to the crossing of Hatcher’s Run, and 
the brigade of Be Trobriand was pushed across. The Fifth 
Corps marched out on the Halifax road, and crossed Rowanty 
Creek. This was the condition of things on Sunday night. 
On Monday, the 6tli, Gregg moved forward, finding it neces¬ 
sary to corduroy his way, on the Boydton and Yaughan roads. 
The Fifth and Second Corps were in position, the Second on 
the right; and the Sixth and Ninth were moved westward, 
ready, in reserve, to aid the movement. Warren sent Craw¬ 
ford’s division to occupy Dabney’s mill; but it was encoun¬ 
tered fiercely by Pegram, who was also reconnoitring, and 
who was at first cpmpelled to retire. The ground was miry, 
and the undergrowth thick and tangled; but Crawford pur¬ 
sued with energy, until Pegram, finding Evans’ division com¬ 
ing to re-enforce him, halted and formed, and then, although 
assisted by Ayres, Crawford was compelled to fall back. The 
result is, that our forces retire to their intrenched position 
along the Yaughan road and Hatcher’s Run, where the 
enemy’s impetuous advance is checked. On Wednesday, the 
8th, Crawford and Wheaton are again sent forward, but can 
effect nothing. 

But our lines have been extended further westward, and we 
have a strong point of departure along the Yaughan road and 
the lower part of Hatcher’s Run, when the last cry, “ Up and 
at them,” shall be uttered by the lieutenant-general. By the 
middle of February, the supply railroad from City Point was 
extended to the run, at the crossing of the Yaughan road, and 
the run held by a strong Federal force. 


424 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Sheridan’s grand march. 

* 

In the long-desired and now rapidly increasing concentra¬ 
tion of the armies upon Richmond, which should so encircle 
and inclose Lee as to force his final surrender, it was now the 
time for Sheridan to move southward. The rebels had virtu¬ 
ally abandoned the Shenandoah Valley, and Grant determined 
to bring Sheridan down, to cut the westward communications 
with Richmond, and then either to join Sherman’s force, pass¬ 
ing Richmond on the west, to bring him to the Army of the 
Potomac, or to let him move back, covering the Valley. 
Which should be done, would depend much upon the circum¬ 
stances which would be developed on Sheridan’s march. 
Grant, however, sent him the following letter of instructions, 
which looks to a junction with Sherman : 

City Point, Va., February 20, 1865—1 p. m. 

General —As soon as it is possible to travel, I think you will have no 
difficulty about reaching Lynchburg with a cavalry force alone. From there 
you could destroy the railroad and canal in every direction, so as to be 
of no further use to the rebellion. Sufficient cavalry should be left behind to 
look after Moseby’s gang. From Lynchburg, if information you might get 
there would justify it, you could strike south, heading the streams in Virginia 
to the westward of Danville, and push on and join Sherman. This additional 
raid, with one now about starting from East Tennessee, under Stoneman, 
numbering four or five thousand cavalry; one from Vicksburg, numbering seven 
or eight thousand cavalry; one from Eastport, Mississippi, numbering ten 
thousand cavalry; Canby, from Mobile Bay, with about thirty-eight thousand 
mixed troops—these three latter pushing for Tuscaloosa, Selma, and Mont¬ 
gomery, and Sherman with a large army eating out the vitals of South Carolina. 
—is all that will be wanted to leave nothing for the rebellion to stand upon. I 
would advise you to overcome great obstacles to accomplish this. Charleston 
was evacuated on Tuesday last. 

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General. 

Major-General P. II. Sheridan. 

In answer to Sheridan’s question as to where Sherman was 
going, Grant could only reply, “It is doubtful, but I think 
lie is going to Fayetteville, on liis way to Goldsboro’.” Ho 
further stated, that when Sheridan should reach Lynchburg, 


CONCENTRATION. 


425 


should lie take that route, he would probably find Sherman 
moving upon Raleigh ; opinions, it may be now seen, that were 
correctly stated. Sheridan set out upon his march of alter¬ 
natives, leaving Winchester on the 27tli of February. He 
had two cavalry divisions of about five thousand each. By a 
rapid march he saved the bridge across the Middle Fork at 
Mount Crawford, by arriving before the enemy could destroy 
it, on the 1st of March ; reached Staunton on the 2d, and 
pursued Early to his intrencliments at Waynesboro’. There, 
without waiting to reconnoitre, such was his momentum, he 
attacked at once, beat Early, took his works, sixteen hundred 
prisoners, eleven guns, two hundred wagons and teams, and 
seventeen battle-flags. The prisoners he sent back to Win¬ 
chester. 

The circle of the hunt was now becoming smaller, and was 
being rapidly reduced, as all the converging radii were 
shortened, to a single point. On the 3d of March, his force 
had reached Charlottesville, destroying the railroad and the 
bridge in its march. From that point, a detachment made a 
complete destruction of the railroad towards Richmond, 
including the large iron bridge across the Rivanna River; 
while his main body waited at Charlottesville two days for 
the arrival of his trains. 

It was this delay, among other circumstances, which caused 
him to abandon the idea of going to Lynchburg, and thence 
to find Sherman; and determined him to complete his work 
of destruction, and then either join Grant or return to Win¬ 
chester. At Charlottesville he divided his force into two 
columns. The first division moved upon Scottsville, which it 
reached on the morning of the 6th of March, and it marched 
up the James River to New Market, destroying every lock and 
large portions of the banks of the James River Canal. One 
part of this force also went to Duguidsville, to secure the 
bridge, but the enemy had already burnt it. 

His second column proceeded down the railroad towards 
Lynchburg, destroying it as far as Amherst Courthouse, 
sixteen miles from Lynchburg ; and from that point joined 


426 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


the other column at New Market. At New Market, Sheri ¬ 
dan would have crossed the river, in order to move rapidly 
southeast and strike the Southside road at Farmville, and 
destroy it towards Appomattox Courthouse; but the water 
w r as very high, and his ponton-bridge would not reach across, 
and as time was invaluable, he determined, instead of return¬ 
ing to Winchester, to strike at once for White House, on the 
Pamunkey, on his way to join Grant. This the lieutenant- 
general says, was a fortunate choice, and subsequent events 
have most fully demonstrated that it was so. 

In pursuing this course, he marched from New Market, 
down the canal towards Richmond, destroying the locks and 
banks as he went. On the 10th he was at Columbia, and 
while resting there for one day, he sent scouts to Grant re¬ 
questing that supplies should be dispatched to meet him at 
White House. This request Grant received on the 12th, and 
at once sent an infantry force to occupy White House, taking 
with them supplies to meet Sheridan on his arrival. From 
Columbia he made a slight detour northward, thus threaten¬ 
ing Richmond. He crossed the Annas near Ashland, and 
having destroyed the railroads completely, crossed to the left 
bank of the Pamunkey, to protect his march, and thus 
reached White House on the 19th. The raid had been grand; 
the arrival was timely: there was work for Sheridan to do, 
which perhaps no other man could do as well. 

MARCH ; THE STRATEGIC USHER. 

The month of March had already been the witness of great 
combinations : it was to see greater things yet. Let us look 
for a moment at the condition of affairs. 

Interior lines were no longer valuable ; our masses were 
almost within communicating distance, and were much larger 
than the forces of the enemy. Grant’s projects had been pro¬ 
phetic, and were now almost fulfilled. Lee was almost shut 
up by the Armies of the Potomac and the James. Johnston 
could only observe Sherman, without checking him. Early 


CONCENTRATION. 


427 


and Hampton were no match for Sheridan, who was now at 
White House. Canby had Dick Taylor at a disadvantage, 
and was now moving on Mobile. Thomas had sent two 
cavalry expeditions, one under Wilson into Northern Alabama, 
and the other under Stoneman from East Tennessee towards 
Lynchburg. Pope was preparing for a campaign against 
Kirby Smith and Price, west of the Mississippi. Hancock 
was at Winchester, where he could hold the Yalley, and when 
wanted, march a new force southward upon Biclimond. 

In this conjuncture, it was no longer any fear that he could 
not capture Richmond, which troubled General Grant. That 
was sure, but what he feared was, that Lee, a sensible man 
and a skilful general, would see that the game was up, and 
make good his escape from Richmond, before our armies 
were quite ready to strike the final blow, and capture his 
whole force. This was indeed the danger. It was a problem 
of exceeding delicacy. Should Lee break away and join his 
army to that of Johnston, they had the mountains to retreat 
to, and might have still given us great trouble. 

But besides this, there was another important consideration 
which weighed greatly with Grant. The Army of the Potomac 
had done the noblest, most onerous, continuous service, not 
always requited by the success which it deserved. It was 
composed chiefly of Eastern troops and Eastern commanders. 
On the other hand, the armies of the West had been crowned 
with brilliant successes. That Sherman would be able event¬ 
ually to come up and join the armies operating against Rich¬ 
mond, there was no doubt; and then the ultimate success 
would have been considered due to the arrival of the Western 
armies. There would have arisen bitter rivalries among offi¬ 
cers and men, between the East and West: the relative 
modicum of merit would have been fiercely discussed in and 
out of Congress. If, then, it were possible, let the Army of 
the Potomac finish the work they had so nobly begun. This, 
although a secondary view, was strongly corroborative of his 
purposes already formed. 

On the 24tli March he prepared for the grand final move- 


428 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


ment, of wliicli he was reasonably hopeful that it would bring 
the matter to an end. His instructions must be presented as 
a vital part of the history. 

City Point, Va., March 24, 1865. 

General —On tlie 29th instant tlie armies operating against Richmond will 
* be moved by our left, for the double purpose of turning the enemy out of his 
present position around Petersburg, and to insure the success of the cavalry 
under General Sheridan, which will start at the same time, in its efforts to 
reach and destroy the Soutliside and Danville railroads. Two corps of the 
Army of the Potomac will be moved at first, in two columns, taking the two 
roads crossing Hatcher’s Run nearest where the present line held by us strikes 
that stream, both moving towards Dinwiddie Courthouse. 

The cavalry under General Sheridan, joined by the division now under 
General Davies, will move at the same time, by the Weldon road and the Jerusa¬ 
lem plankroad, turning west from the latter before crossing the Nottoway, 
and west with the whole column reaching Stoney Creek. General Sheridan 
will then move independently under other instructions, which will be 
given him. All dismounted cavalry belonging to the Army of the Poto¬ 
mac, and the dismounted cavalry from the Middle Military Division not 
required for guarding property belonging to their arm of service, will re¬ 
port to Brigadier-General Benliam, to be added to the defences of City Point. 
Major-General Parke will be left in command of all the army left for holding 
the lines about Petersburg and City Point, subject, of course, to orders from 
the commander of the Army of the Potomac. The Ninth Army Corps will be 
left intact to hold the present line of works, so long as the whole line now 
occupied by us is held. If, however, the troops to the left of the Ninth Corps 
are withdrawn, then the left of the corps may be thrown back so as to occupy 
the position held by the army prior to the capture of the Weldon road. All 
troops to the left of the Ninth Corps will be held in readiness to move at the 
shortest notice by such route as may be designated when the order is given. 

General Ord will detach three divisions, two white and one colored, or so 
much of them as lie can, and hold his present lines, and march for the present 
left of the Army of the Potomac. In the absence of further orders, or until 
further orders are given, the white divisions will follow the left column of the 
Army of the Potomac, and the colorecf division the right column. During the 
movement, Major-General Weitzel will be left in command of all the forces 
remaining behind from the Army of the James. 

The movement of troops from the Army of the James will commence on 
the night of the 27th instant. General Ord will leave behind the minimum 
number of cavalry necessary for picket duty in the absence of the main army. 
A cavalry expedition from General Ord’s command will also be started from 
Suffolk, to leave there on Saturday, the 1st of April, under Colonel Sumner, 
for the purpose of cutting the railroad about Hicksford. This, if accomplished, 
will have to be a surprise, and therefore, from three to five hundred men will 


CONCENTRATION. 


429 


be sufficient. They should, however, he supported by all the infantry that can 
be spared from Norfolk and Portsmouth, as far out as to where the cavalry 
crosses the Blackwater. The crossing should probably be at Uniten. Should 
Colonel Sumner succeed in reaching the Weldon road, he will be instructed to 
do ail the damage possible to the triangle of roads between Hicksford, Weldon, 
and Gaston. The railroad-bridge at Weldon being fitted up for the passage 
of carriages, it might be practicable to destroy any accumulation of supplies 
the enemy may have collected south of the Roanoke. All the troops will move 
with four days' rations in haversacks and eight days’ in wagons. To avoid as 
much hauling as possible, and to give the Army of the James the same number 
of days’ supplies with the Army of the Potomac, General Ord will direct his 
commissary and quartermaster to have sufficient supplies delivered at the ter¬ 
minus of the road to fill up in passing. Sixty rounds of ammunition per man 
will be taken in wagons, and as much grain as the transportation on hand will 
carry, after taking the specified amount of other supplies. The densely 
wooded country in which the army has to operate making the use of much 
artillery impracticable, the amount taken with the army will be reduced to 
six or eight guns to each division, at the option of the army commanders. 

All necessary preparations for carrying these directions into operation may 
be commenced at once. The reserves of the Ninth Corps should be massed as 
much as possible. Whilst I would not now order an unconditional attack on 
the enemy’s line by them, they should be ready, and should make the attack, 
if the enemy weakens his line in their front, without waiting for orders. In 
case they carry the line, then the whole of the Ninth Corps could follow up so 
as to join or co-operate with the balance of the army. To prepare for this, the 
Ninth Corps will have rations issued to them the same as the balance of the 
army. General Weitzel will keep vigilant watch upon his front, and if found 
at all practicable to break through at any point, he will do so. A success north 
of the James should be followed up with great promptness. An attack will not 
be feasible unless it is found that the enemy has detached largely. In that case, 
it may be regarded as evident that the enemy are relying upon their local re¬ 
serves principally for the defence of Richmond. Preparations may be made for 
abandoning all the line north of the James, except inclosed works ; only to 
be abandoned, however, after a break is made in the lines of the enemy. 

By these instructions, a large part of the armies operating against Rich¬ 
mond is left behind. The enemy, knowing this, may, as an only chance, strip 
their lines to the merest skeleton, in the hope of advantage not being taken of 
it, whilst they hurl every thing against the moving column, and return. It 
cannot be impressed too strongly upon commanders of troops left in the 
trenches, not to allow this to occur without taking advantage of it. The very 
fact of the enemy coming out to attack, if he does so, might be regarded as 
conclusive evidence of such a weakening ot his lines. I would have it particu¬ 
larly enjoined upon corps commanders, that in case of an attack from the ene¬ 
my, those not attacked are not to wait for orders from the commanding officer 
of the army to which they belong, but that they will move promptly, and 


430 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


notify the commander of tlieir action. I wish also to enjoin the same action on 
the part of division commanders, when other parts of their corps are engaged. 
In like manner, I would urge the importance of following up a repulse of the 
enemy. 

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General. 

Major-Generals Meade, Ord, and Sheridan. # 

\ 

But a desperate movement of tlie enemy now hastened the 
catastrophe, which was already imminent. 

FORT STEADMAN. 

Two divisions under General Gordon—Gordon’s own and 
Bushrod Johnson’s—quietly massing in front of the Ninth 
Corps, which held the Appomattox towards the left, burst 
upon our intrenchments on Hare’s Hill, not a mile from the 
river, at daybreak on the 25th of March, captured Fort Stead¬ 
man by a surprise and coup-de-main, with Batteries Nine, Ten, 
and Eleven, on its flanks. The space between the contending 
lines was only one hundred and fifty yards. The Third Bri¬ 
gade of the First Division of the Ninth Corps guarded that 
part of the lines, while the Fourteenth New York Heavy Ar¬ 
tillery occupied the fort, which was a square redoubt, covering 
about one acre, and mounting nine guns. Clearing his own 
abatis, and unimpeded by ours, Gordon was in in a moment, 
and turned the guns upon the adjacent batteries, Nine, Ten, 
and Eleven, which were at once abandoned by our troops, and 
occupied by the rebels. It was a bold stroke, handsomely 
achieved, but his success was at an end. First checked in 
his progress by Fort Hascall, next on the left of Steadman, 
McLaughlin’s brigade rallied, and, with the remainder of Will- 
cox’s division, fought valiantly to repair the fault. 

The division of Hartranft, most of' the men for the first time 
under fire, is ordered to attack ; and, rushing upon Fort 
Steadman, pushes Gordon out into the space over which he 
had come, which is now also swept by the fire of adjacent 
batteries. Most of the enemy, cut off by this cross-fire upon 
their line of retreat, have no alternative but surrender; and 
thus Hartranft secures nearly two thousand prisoners. 


CONCENTRATION. 


431 


The attack, which for a moment promised great results for 
the enemy, has not only been a failure and a loss, but it seems 
to have been the signal which hastened the movements 
already projected by Grant. Wakened into action by the 
firing around Fort Steadman, Meade orders all forward. 
Wright, whose corps lay on the left of the Ninth, rushes to 
the attack as a diversion, and seizes the enemy’s advanced 
line. Humphreys, still further to the left, moves the Second 
Corps forward, and captures the enemy’s picket-lines in his 
front. All efforts of the enemy to recapture them are una¬ 
vailing. 

President Lincoln is a spectator of the gallant recapture of 
Steadman. He had been promised a review: he was treated 
to a successful battle, which he declared to be better. But 
he does not lose his review. Before going into action, Cran¬ 
ford’s division marches past, saluting; and the President and 
the ladies of his party behold, with mingled emotions, the 
steady march of the veterans who are just plunging into the 
battle with Wright. Although the enemy resisted our attack 
thenceforward until nightfall, we had gained much. Our 
losses were about twenty-five hundred; his not less than 
five thousand. 

% 

sherman’s visit. 

While Sherman’s army was occupying a few days in resting 
and receiving supplies, in its camp at Goldsboro’, that officer 
made a hurried visit to Grant at City Point, on the 27th of 
March. The lieutenant-general, the President, Generals 
Meade and Sheridan, and other officers, met him in confer¬ 
ence. Sherman said he could move, as early as April 10th, 
upon Johnston, with twenty days’ supplies. If Grant desired 
him to aid the movement upon Richmond, he would advance, 
threaten Raleigh, and strike the Danville road at a point near 
Burkesville, thus breaking Lee’s communications, and cutting 
off his retreat; or he was ready to march directly to Rich¬ 
mond, and strengthen Grant’s final attack. Grant cominu- 


432 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


nicatecl his own plans, which were to hurry matters by moving 
on the 29th of March. If his attack should be unsuccessful, 
he would mass his cavalry to destroy the communications 
between Lee and Johnston, so that, instead of joining their 
forces, they might be beaten in detail. Sherman at once re¬ 
turned to Goldsboro’, to move against Johnston. 

Grant’s anxiety was now extreme, lest at the last moment 
Lee should escape him, and, by a happy union with Johnston, 
inaugurate a new, long, and difficult campaign. The great 
number of deserters daily coming into our lines, led him to 
believe that Lee was contemplating an escape. 

Spending a few days in reviewing the various divisions, ho 
sent his sick and the sutlers to City Point; waited impatiently 
for an attack from Lee, which he thought would be the signal 
for his hegira, and then moved the army out in observation 
and readiness to manoeuvre as a unit; sent his cavalry out to 
cut the rebel communications, and to remain in front ready 
for pursuit; and determined, if it were in human possibility, 
to finish up the whole matter. 


THE TRUE “BEGINNING OF THE END.” 


433 




CHAPTER XL. 

THE TRUE “BEGINNING OF THE END.” 


Fight at Dinwiddie Courthouse.—Battle of Five Forks.—Defeat of the reb¬ 
els.—Consternation in Richmond.—Its evacuation by Lee.—Rursuit of the 

FLEEING ARMY.—SAILOR’S CREEK.—Lee’s SURRENDER.—TERMS.-*-SHERMAN.— 

Stoneman.—Canby at Mobile.—Wilson’s command.—Conclusion. 


It was now the early morning of the 29th of March. In 
accordance with instructions, Ord had moved out with two 
divisions of the Twenty-fourth Corps, under Gibbon, and one 
of the Twenty-fifth, under Birney, and McKenzie’s cavalry, 
on the night of the Twenty-seventh, and at dawn of the*29th 
they were at Hatcher’s Run. 

On the 28th, Sheridan had received the following instruc¬ 
tions : 

City Point, Va., March 28, 1865. 

« 

General —The Fifth Army Corps will move by the Vaughan road at three 
A. M. to-morrow morning. The Second moves at about nine A. M., having but 
about three miles to march to reach the first i>oint designated for it to take on 
the right of the Fifth Corps, after the latter reaching Dinwiddie Courthouse. 
Move your cavalry at as early an hour as you can, and without being confined 
to any particular road or roads. You may go out by the nearest roads in rear 
of the Fifth Corps, pass by its left, and passing near to or through Dinwiddie, 
reach the right and rear of the enemy as soon as you can. It is not the inten¬ 
tion to attack the enemy in his intrenched position, but to force him out if 
possible. Should he come out and attack us, or get himself where he can be 
attacked, move in with your entire force in your own way, and with the full 
reliance that the army wall engage or follow as circumstances will dictate. I 
shall be on the field, and will probably be able to communicate with you. 
Should I not do so, and you find that the enemy keeps within his main in¬ 
trenched line, you may cut loose and push for the Danville road. If you find 

19 


434 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


it practicable, I would like you to cross the Southside road, between Petersburg 
and Burkesville, and destroy it to some extent. I would not advise much de¬ 
tention, however, until you reach the Danville road, which I would like you to 
strike as near to the Appordattox as possible. Make your, destruction on that 
road as complete as possible. You can then pass on to the Southside road, west 
of Burkesville, and destroy that in like manner. 

After having accomplished the destruction of the two railroads, which are 
now the only avenues of supply to Lee’s army, you may return to this army, 
selecting your road further south; or you may go on into North Carolina, and 
join General Sherman. Should you select the latter course, get the information 
to me as early as possible, so that I may send orders to meet you at Goldsboro’. 

v 

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General. 

Major-General P. H. Sheridan. 


Sheridan’s command, at the start, comprised five thousand 
seven hundred cavalry under Merritt, and three thousand 
three hundred under Crook ; in all nine thousand. With 
these he moved across by way of Reams’ Station and 
Malon’s crossing of Rowanty Creek—where he built a 
bridge—to Dinwiddie Courthouse, on his way to cut the 
enemy’s communication ; but already fully determined, if per¬ 
mitted, to find the long-sought flank of the enemy, crush it, 
and then push on and cut off Lee’s retreat. 



He was at Dinwiddie Courthouse on the afternoon of the 
29th at five o’clock. Custer had been left at Malon’s crossing 
to protect the trains. Our lines were then arranged thus: 
Sheridan on the extreme left, and our infantry, under Warren, 
extended to the Quaker road, near its intersection with tha 















THE TRUE 


“BEGINNING OF THE END” 


435 



BATTLE-FIELD OF DDTWIDDIE COURTHOUSE. 
































136 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Boydton road ; next, on tlie right, was Humphreys ; next, Ord 
and Wright; while Parke held the works in front of Petersburg. 
In this position, Grant was almost certain that the time had 
come for capturing Richmond, and, what was of far more im¬ 
portance, defeating Lee and forcing him to a surrender. To 
this end, he sent Sheridan the following important and signifi¬ 
cant dispatch: 

Gravelly Run, March 29, 1865. 

General —Our line is now unbroken from the Appomattox to Dinwiddie. 
We are all ready, however, to give up all from the Jerusalem plankroad to 
Hatcher’s Run, whenever the forces can be used advantageously. After getting 
into line south of Hatcher’s, we pushed forward to find the enemy’s position. 
General Griffin w^is attacked near where the Quaker road intersects the Boyd¬ 
ton road, but repulsed it easily, capturing about one hundred men. Hum¬ 
phreys reached Dabney’s mill, and was pushing on when last heard from, 
gj I now feel like ending the matter, if it is possible to do so, before going back. 
I do not want you, therefore, to cut loose and go after the enemy’s roads at 
present. In the morning, push round the enemy if you can, and get on to his 
right rear. The movements of the enemy’s cavalry may, of course, modify 
your action. We will act all together as one army here, until it is seen what 
can be done with the enemy. The signal-officer at Cobb’s Hill reported, 
at 11:30 A. m., that a cavalry column had passed that point from Richmond 
towards Petersburg, taking forty minutes to pass. 

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General. 

Major-General P. H. Sheridan. 

Grant, it will be seen, was at Gravelly Run in person, closely 
watching the developments of the situation. During the 30th 
a heavy storm of rain rendered the roads so bad that Sheridan 
found it very difficult to move from Dinwiddie ; nothing on 
wheels could get forward, except on corduroyed roads. But 
the cavalry can flounder on, and so he starts on the 30th for 
Five Forks, on the White Oak road, where he knew the enemy 
was in force : while Warren is directed to extend his lines 
across the Boydton road to the White Oak road, to cross 
the latter if possible, and in any event to hold it and fortify. 

With an impetuosity that cannot be resisted, Sheridan 
seizes the Five Forks, and fights a battle there*; but the enemy 
making head against Warren, who has moved to obey his 
instructions, drives back the Fifth Corps, division after division, 


THE TRUE “BEGINNING OF THE END.” 


437 



L/M 


F|VE FORKS'*^ 

f ^pS H 8 ^ 

CQMMAKibG^ 


(/GRAVELL RUN 
!,/"CHURCH 

KtM& o >£ 


\ CORPS'^cafe 

BEFORE feiljg 
THE ATTACKsir^ r 


r REFERENCE 

=» U.S. INFANTRY" 
c=a U.S. CAVALRY 
sasa REBEL FORCES 


SCALE OF MILES 


\ 

/ 

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1 

1 



BATTLE OP FIVE POKES. 



















438 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


and then turns in force upon Sheridan, who. is slowly driven 
back to Dinwiddie Courthouse. In the mean time, Hum¬ 
phreys drives the enemy back in his front, into his main line 
near Burgess’s mill, while Ord and Wright, reporting the 
enemy wtak before them, are impatient to move forward. In 
this conjuncture, Grant re-enforces Sheridan with the Fifth 
Corps—because it is the nearest—which he placed under his 
command; and thus strengthened, Sheridan again moves 
forward, while the other corps assault in their front. 

As the attack on Fort Steadman had enabled our troops in 
them riposte to get very close to the enemy’s lines, the task 
was not difficult. But we are anticipating. 

In this forced movement to the rear against overpowering 
numbers of the enemy, General Sheridan, in the opinion of 
Grant, displayed great generalship. He did not retreat on 
the main army, “to tell the story of superior forces^encoun¬ 
tered, but he dismounted his cavalry and deployed, which 
forced the enemy to do the same, and thus checked his 
progress.” When Grant was informed of this, he sent 
McKenzie’s division of cavalry, with one division of the Fifth 
Coips to his assistance; and soon after, as Meade had 
informed him that Humphreys could hold the Boydton road, 
the other division of the Fifth was sent to Sheridan, and that 
officer assumed the command of the whole corps. This was 
on the 1st of April. In front of Dinwiddie, Sheridan now 
assaulted, and fought a successful battle, drove the enemy 
back, and made a second advance on Five Forks, which the 
enemy now held in great force. Here Sheridan executed a 
beautiful tactical manoeuvre. While the enemy were pressed 
within their works, he directed General Merritt to demon¬ 
strate, as though he would turn the enemy’s right flank, 
while the Fifth Corps was ordered up to strike their left flank 
vigorously. The Fifth Corps, General Sheridan thought, was 
moving too slowly, and for this he censured Warren; but at 
last it was in readiness,—Ayres’ division on the left in double 
lines, Crawford on the right, apd Griffin in reserve, behind 
Crawford. We quote Sheridan’s words : 


THE TRUE “ BEGINNING OF THE END.” 


439 


" I then directed General Merritt to demonstrate as though he was attempt¬ 
ing to turn the enemy’s right flank, and notified him that the Fifth Corps 
would strike the enemy’s left flank, and ordered that the cavalrv should assault 
the enemy’s works as soon as the Fifth Corps became engaged, and that would 
be determined by the volleys of musketry. I then rode over to where the Fifth 
Corps was going into position, and found them coming up very slowly. I was 
exceedingly anxious to attack at once, for the sun was getting low, and we had 
to fight or go back. It was no place to intrench, and it would have been shame¬ 
ful to lrave gone back with no results to compensate for the loss of the brave 
men who had fallen during the day. In this connection, I will say that Gen¬ 
eral Warren did not exert himself to get up his corps as rapidly as he might 
have done ; and his manner gave me the impression that he wished the sun to 
go down before dispositions for the attack could be completed. As soon as the 
corps was in position, I ordered an advance in the following formation : Ayres’ 
division on the left, in double lines ; Crawford’s division on the right, in double 
lines ; and Griffin’s division in reserve, behind Crawford : and the White Oak 
road was reached without opposition. McKenzie was ordered to swing round 
on the right of the infantry, and get possession of the ford at the crossing of 
Hatcher’s Run.” 

Tlie Fifth Corps advanced gallantly with a left half-wheel, 
and went into and beyond the enemy’s works, routing him and 
pursuing; while Merritt, whose signal was to bp the firing of 
the Fifth, assaulted and carried the enemy’s right, putting him 
to flight in that quarter. In General Sheridan’s flashing words: 

“ The enemy were driven from their strong line of works, and completely 
routed ; the Fifth Corps doubling up their left flank in confusion, and the cav¬ 
alry of General Merritt dashing on to the White Oak road, capturing their 
artillery and turning it upon them, and riding into their broken ranks so de¬ 
moralized them, that they made no serious stand after their line was carried, 
but took to flight in disorder.” 

Between five thousand and six thousand prisoners fell into 
our hands, and the fugitives were driven westward, and were 
pursued till long after dark by Merritt’s and McKenzie’s 
cavalry, for a distance of six miles. 

During this attack, Sheridan was again dissatisfied with 
Warren ; and having already received, unsolicited, permission 
from the lieutenant-general, he relieved Warren of his com¬ 
mand, and turned it over to Griffin, not the ranking officer, 
but selected for the purpose. 


440 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


Grant, still fearful tliat tlie audacious advance of Sheridan 
might be overpowered, sent him during the night Miles’ divi¬ 
sion of the Second Corps, which reported at daylight on the 
2d. It was at once ordered to move up the White Oak road 
towards Petersburg, and attack the enemy at the intersection 
of that road with the Claiborne road. Miles was followed by 
two divisions of the Fifth. He attacked handsomely, and 
forced the enemy back; but was soon reclaimed by Hum¬ 
phreys, and relinquished, greatly to Sheridan’s regret. 

Let us look a little further to our right. A heavy bombard¬ 
ment had been kept up all night of April 1 along our whole 
line ; and at four o’clock on the morning of the 2d a combined 
assault was made, with grand success. Wright, with the 
Sixth, swept every thing in his front, from his left at Hatch¬ 
er’s Pun towards Petersburg, taking many guns and prisoners. 
Ord, joining him on the right, was equally successful; and 
then the two combined swung round by a right wheel and for¬ 
ward, and closed upon Petersburg to the river, tearing up the 
Soutliside Pailroad. 

Parke, holding in front of Petersburg, assaulted, taking the 
main line with its guns, but not the innermost line. Gibbon, 
with a part of Ord’s command, captured two strong works, 
“ the most salient and commanding points south of Peters¬ 
burg.” The rebel lines around the city were thus very much 
shortened, and if a new assault should be thought necessary, 
the capture would not be difficult. 

When Miles made his attack under Sheridan’s orders he 
had pushed the enemy across the run, and followed him up to 
Sutherland’s Depot, on the Southside road ; and it will be 
remembered that two divisions of the Fifth Corps had follov^d 
the movement. After a hard fight, in which the rebels v ere 
driven by Meade on our right and Sheridan on our left, they 
broke at that point in great confusion, streaming westward 
by the main road along the Appomattox. 

The night of the 2d of April was one of consternation and 
terror in Richmond. ‘The people had been lulled by the long 
years of security, and deceived by their leaders. No intelli* 


THE TRUE “BEGINNING OF THE END.” 


441 


gent man doubted the result, but the hoodwinked populace 
still believed that Richmond was impregnable, and would 
never be evacuated. Their eyes were now suddenly opened. 
Without warning, it was now announced, while Jeff. Davis was 
in church, for it was Sunday, that the army was evacuating 
the city, and that the “ Federals” would enter at once. Lee, 
who had long before seen the folly of continuing the struggle, 
had been overruled by Jeff. Davis; but now there was no 
choice. The army left that nig] it, in frantic haste to move by 
the Danville road, and form a junction with Johnston. But 
it was too late. 

Sheridan pursued vigorously on the 3d, striking at once for 
the Danville road, to cut him off. Meade, with the Second and 
Sixth corps, followed him by a forced march ; Ord was dis¬ 
patched to Burkesville, moving along the Southside road; the 
Ninth Corps stretched out, holding the main points in rear. 

Although so much had been achieved, there was still to be 
a race with the rebels—a race for life. Lee must not escape. 
On the 4th of April, Sheridan struck the Danville road at Jet- 
tersville, right athwart the track of Lee, who had only reached 
Amelia Courthouse. The rebel army was in no condition to 
prolong the conflict; it could only now drift hopelessly west¬ 
ward, and put off for a few hours the evil day. 

At Jettersville, Sheridan intrenched, and waited for Meade, 
who came up the next day, the 5th. On the afternoon of that 
day, Ord was at Burkesville ; and Grant, who had reached 
Wilson’s Station, addressed the following letter to Sherman : 

Wilson’s Station, April 5, 1865. 

General —All indications now are tliat Lee will attempt to reacli Danville 
with the remnant of his force. Sheridan, who was up with him last night, 
reports all that is left—horse, foot, and dragoons—at twenty thousand, much 
demoralized. We hope to reduce this number one-lialf. I shall push on to 
Burkesville, and if a stand is made at Danville, will in a few days go there. If 
you can possibly do so, push on from where you are, and let us see if we cannot 
finish the job with Lee’s and Johnston’s armies. Whether it will be better for 
vou to strike for Greensboro’, or nearer to Danville, you will be better able to 
judge when you receive this. Rebel armies now are the only strategic points 
to strike at. 

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General. 

Major-General W. T. Sherman. 

19* 


m 


GRANT AND IIIS CAMPAIGNS. 


But sucli a junction was not to be necessary. If unmo¬ 
lested, Lee could hardly have taken that army to Johnston. 

On the 6th of April, Lee moved westward, as if towards 
Danville ; and Sheridan, relinquishing the command of the 
Fifth Corps, and returning it to Meade, moved rapidly with 
his cavalry, followed by the Sixth Corps, to strike his flank. 
The Second and Fifth followed after. Ord moved to Farm- 
ville, on the Lynchburg road, and sent his cavalry, with two 
regiments of infantry, to destroy the bridges. This little 
advance force encountered the head of Lee’s army, which 
struck it a staggering blow; but, with a fine soldierly vision, 
General Theodore Read, who was in command, fought this 
overwhelming force most heroically, detained it in his front 
until Ord could come up, and fell a martyr to his zeal. 
Such conduct deserves an immortal record, and has it in 
Grant’s report. 


sailor’s creek. 

On the afternoon of the 6th, Sheridan struck a force of the 
enemy just south of Sailor’s Creek, a small southern tributary 
of the Appomattox, and a battle ensued, in which he cap¬ 
tured sixteen guns and four hundred wagons, and kept the 
enemy employed until the arrival of the Sixth Corps, which, 
we have seen, was marching in his rear. A combined attack 
was then made, which resulted in the capture of between six 
and seven thousand prisoners, and a large number of general 
officers. The disintegrating process was rapidly going on. 
In this battle, the Second Corps and Twenty-fourth partici¬ 
pated. The army was now a grand moving machine, elastic, 
but exact. The corps, well in hand, Avere skilfully moved as 
the exigencies of the field required. 

On the morning of the 7tli the pursuit was still continued— 
tlie cavalry, under Sheridan, less one division, moving with 
the Fifth Corps through Prince Edward’s Courthouse ; the 
Sixth Corps, the Twenty-fourth, and one division of cavalry, 
upon Farmville. The Second Corps moved by High Bridge. 


THE TRUE “ BEGINNING OF THE END. ,? 


443 


The enemy were now all north of the Appomattox; but so 
close was the pursuit, that the Second Corps seized High 
Bridge before the enemy could destroy it, and crossed at their 
heels. The Sixth, with the cavalry division, crossed at Farm- 
ville. The hunt was nearly ended. Lee was now not only 
hopeless, but Grant believed that he had determined to sur¬ 
render. To this end, the following correspondence ensued 
between them. Grant writes from Farmville : 


April 7, 1865. 

General —The result of the last week must convince you of the hopeless¬ 
ness of further resistance, on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia, in this 
struggle. I feel that it is so, and regard it as my duty to shift from myself the 
responsibility of any further effusion of blood, by asking of you the surrender of 
that portion of the Confederate States army known as the Army of Northern 
Virginia. 

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General. 

General R. E. Lee. 

Early on the morning of the 8th, before leaving, Grant 
received at Farmville the following : 


April 7, 1865. 

General — I have received your note of this date. Though not entertain¬ 
ing the opinion you express on the hopelessness of further resistance on the 
part of the Army of Northern Virginia, I reciprocate your desire to avoid use¬ 
less effusion of blood, and therefore, before considering your proposition, ask 
the terms you will offer on condition of its surrender. 

R. E. Lee, General. 

Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant. 


To this, Grant immediately replied : 

April 8, 1865. 

General —Your note of last evening, in reply to mine of same date, asking 
the. condition, on which I will accept the surrender of the Army of Northern 
Virginia, is just received. In reply, I would say, that peace being my great 
desire, there is but one condition I would insist upon—namely, that the men and 
officers surrendered shall be disqualified for taking up arms again against the 
Government of the United States until properly exchanged. I will meet you, 
or will designate officers to meet any officers you may name for the same pur¬ 
pose, at any point agreeable to you, for the purpose of arranging definitely the 
terms upon which the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia will be 
received. 

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General. 

General R. E. Lee. 


444 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


On tlie morning of tlie 8tli, as nothing was yet decided, 
Grant renewed the pursuit; the enemy pushing as fast as he 
could for Appomattox Station, and our troops moving upon 
him with equal footsteps. Meade’s army was now north of 
the Appomattox, pushing the rear-guard, hut never able to 
bring it to a decisive engagement. On the afternoon of the 
8th, Sheridan strikes the railroad at Appomattox, and drives 
the enemy before him, capturing twenty-five guns, a hospital- 
train, and four trains of cars with supplies. Grant joins 
Meade at noon of the 8th, and receives the following letter : 

April S, 1865. 

General —I received, at a late hour, your note of to-day. In mine of yester- 
aay, I did not int end to propose the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, 
but to ask the terms of your proposition. To be frank, I do not think the emer¬ 
gency has arisen to call for the surrender of this army ; but as the restoration of 
peace should be the sole object of all, I desired to know whether your proposals 
would lead to that end. I cannot, therefore, meet you with a view to surrender 
the Army of Northern Virginia; but as far as your proposal may affect the 
Confederate State forces under my command, and tend to the restoration of 
peace, I should be pleased to meet you at 10 A. M. to-morrow on the old stage 
road to Richmond, between the picket-lines of the two armies. 

R. E. Lee, General. 

Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant. 


To wliicli lie answers as follows : 

April 9, 1865. 

General— Your note of yesterday is received. I have no authority to treat 
on the subject of peace ; the meeting proposed for 10 A. M. to-day, could lead to 
no good. I will state, however, general, that I am equally anxious for peace 
with yourself, and the whole North entertains the same feeling. The terms 
upon which peace can be had are well understood. By the South laying down 
their arms they will hasten that most desirable event, save thousands of 
human lives, and hundreds of millions of property not yet destroyed. Sincerely 
hoping that all our difficulties may be settled without the loss of another life, 

I subscribe myself, etc. 

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General. 

General E. E. Lee. 

On tlie 9tli, Ord comes np to Appomattox, and with him the 
Fifth Corps, just as the enemy is making a desperate effort to 
break through the cavalry, and defeat it. This is the end: 
the last ditch is reached. A white flag comes into the fines, 


THE TRUE “BEGINNING OF THE END.” 


445 



H£:^OERsbNy^l£-GHi^r^ 

^ NOTTOWWlTC.^^j^. 


BLACKS 8c WHITES^ 




APPOMATTOX COURTHOUSE—THE SURRENDER. 


































446 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


asking for a suspension of hostilities in order to arrange terms 
for surrender. This Grant received while going to join Sher¬ 
idan. It was in the following terms : 

April 9, 1865. 

General — I received your note of tliis morning, on the picket-line, whither 
I had come to meet you, and ascertain definitely what terms were embraced in 
your proposal of yesterday, with reference to the surrender of this army. I now 
ask an interview in accordance with the offer contained in your letter of yester¬ 
day, for that purpose. 

R. E. Lee, General. 

Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant. 

The interview took place at the residence of Mr. W. 
McLean, at Appomattox Courthouse. It was brief, but con¬ 
clusive. Sad in the extreme to the Confederate general, who 
having risked every thing, had lost all. 

No pen can describe the exultation of our troops. 

The following view from a rebel standpoint is presented by 
an eye-witness from the rebel side : 

\ 

“ There is no passage of history in this heart-breaking war which will, for years 
to come, be more honorably mentioned, and gratefully remembered than the 
demeanor, on the 9th of April, 1805, of General Grant towards General Lee. I 
do not so much allude to the facility with which honorable terms were accord¬ 
ed to the Confederates, as to the bearing of General Grant, and the officers 
about him, towards General Lee. The interview was brief. Three commis¬ 
sioners upon either side were immediately appointed. The agreement to whioh 
these six commissioners acceded is known. 

“ In the mean time, immediately that General Lee was seen riding to the rear, 
dressed more gayly than usual, and begirt with his sword, the rumor of imme¬ 
diate surrender flew like wildfire through the Confederates. It might be im¬ 
agined that an army, which had drawn its last regular rations on the 1st of 
April, and, harassed incessantly by night and day, had been marching and 
fighting until the morning of the 9tli, would have welcomed any thing.like a 
termination of its sufferings, let it come in what form it might. Let those who 
idly imagine that the finer feelings are the prerogative of what are called the 
‘upper classes,’ learn from this and similar scenes to appreciate ‘common 
men.’ As the great Confederate captain rode back from his interview with 
General Grant, the news of the surrender acquired shape and consistency, and 
could no longer be denied. The effect on the worn and battered troops—some 
of whom had fought since April, 1861, and (sparse survivors of hecatombs of 
fallen comrades) had passed unscathed through such hurricanes of shot, as 
within four years no other men had ever experienced—passes mortal description. 


THE TRUE “ BEGINNING OF THE^ND.” 


447 


Whole lines of battle rushed up to their beloved old chief, and choking with 
emotion, broke ranks and straggled with each other to wring him once more 
by the hand. Men who had fought throughout the war, and knew what the 
agony and humiliation of that moment must be to him, strove, with a refine¬ 
ment of unselfishness and tenderness which he alone could fully appreciate, to 
lighten his burden and mitigate his pain. With tears pouring down both 
cheeks. General Lee at length commanded voice enough to say, ‘ Men, we have 
fought through the war together. I have done the best that I could for you.’ 
Not an eye that looked on that scene was dry. Nor was this the emotion of 
sickly sentimentalists, but of rough and rugged men, familiar with hardships, 
danger, and death in a thousand shapes, mastered by sympathy and feeling for 
another which they never experienced on their own account. I know of no 
other passage of military history so touching, unless, in spite of the melo-dra- 
matic coloring which French historians have loved to shed over the scene, it can 
be found in the Adieu de Fontainebleau. 

“ It remains for me briefly to notice the last parade of an army, whereof the 
exploits will be read with pride so long as the English tongue is spoken. In 
pursuance of an arrangement of the six commissioners, the Confederate army 
marched by divisions, on the morning of April the 12th, to a spot at the 
Appomattox Courthouse, where they stacked arms and deposited accoutre¬ 
ments. Upon this solemn occasion Major-General Gibbon represented the 
United States authorities. With the same exalted and conspicuous delicacy 
which he had exhibited throughout the closing scenes, General Grant was not 
again visible after his final interview with General Lee. About seven thousand 
eight hundred Confederates marched with their muskets in their hands, and 
were followed by about eighteen thousand unarmed stragglers, who claimed to 
be included in the capitulation. Each Confederate soldier was furnished with 
printed form of parole, which was filled up for him by his own officers, and a 
duplicate handed to a designated Federal officer. By the evening of the 12tli 
the paroles were generally distributed, and the disbanded men began to scatter 
through the country. Hardly one of them had a farthing of money. Some of 
them had from fifteen hundred to two thousand miles to travel, over a country 
of which the scanty railroads were utterly annihilated.” 

The correspondence gives the exact terms. 

Appomattox Coukthouse, Va., April 9, 1865. 

General —In accordance with the substance of my letter to you of the 8th 
instant, I propose to receive the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia on 
the following terms—to wit: Rolls of all the officers and men to be made in 
duplicate, one copy to be given to an officer to be designated by me, the other 
to be retained by such officer or officers as you may designate. The officers to 
give their individual paroles not to take up arms against the Government ol 
the United States until properly exchanged ; and each company or regimental 
commander to sign a like parole for the men of their commands. The arms. 


448 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


artillery, and public property to bo packed and stacked, and turned over to tlie 
officers appointed by me to receive them. This will not embrace the side-arms 
of the officers, nor their private horses or baggage. This done, each officer 
and man will be allowed to return to his home, not to be disturbed by United 
States authority so long as they observe their paroles, and the laws in force 
where they may reside. 

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General. 

General E. E. Lee. 

* Headquarters Army Northern Virginia, 

April 9, 1865. 

General —I have received your letter of this date, containing the terms of 
surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia as proposed by you. As they are 
substantially the same as those expressed in your letter of the 8th instant, they 
are accepted. I will proceed to designate the proper officers to carry the stipu¬ 
lations into effect. 

R. E. Lee, General. 

Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant. 

Gibbon’s command, with tlie Fifth Corps under Griffin, and 
McKenzie’s cavalry, were ordered to remain at Appomattox, 
while the process of paroling was going on, and to take 
charge of the public property. Grant immediately set the 
remainder of the army in motion for Burkesville. . The great 
event had been achieved. Lee, the greatest man as well as 
the ranking soldier in the Confederacy, had given up the 
cause, and his influence broke up the rebellion. Grant, after 
weary months, or rather a long year, of the most arduous 
and responsible military labor ever performed by a general, 
had seen the issue of all his plans, desires, and hopes in a 
complete success. The country again rung with his name. 
The few bitter and cold men who were dissatisfied with the 
terms he accorded to Lee, spoke only in whispers. He had 
not been in their pay or service, he had acted for the Union, 
and the cause of humanity. And it must have given his 
heart a glow of pleasure, that he could put one drop of com¬ 
fort into the bitter cup, now drained to the dregs by an an¬ 
tagonist so skilful, and a rebel so brave, chivalrous, and noble 
as General K. E. Lee. 

Let us not be misunderstood : there is no casuistry which 
can metamorphose treason ; but the rebel chiefs will always be 
regarded as brave, self-sacrificing soldiers, and brilliant gen- 















450 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


ployed between New River and Big Lick, then to Greensboro , 
breaking up and burning tlie bridges between Greensboro’ and 
Danville, and also those between Greensboro’ and the Yadkin, 
with many rich depots of supplies. At Salisbury he beat the 
rebel General Gardner, taking from him fourteen guns and 
one thousand three hundred and sixty-four prisoners ; and after 
tearing up fifteen miles of railroad, with the bridges towards 
Charlotte, he returned to Slatersville. 

Sherman desired that Stoneman should join him, but acting 
in accordance with the orders received from Thomas, and 
according to a discretion which he deemed his right, he 
did not. ^ 

CANBY AT MOBILE. 

• 

The moven&nts upon Mobile will only need to be epitomized. 
On the 20th of March, the Sixteenth Corps, under A. J. 
Smith, was moved by water from Fort Gaines to Fish River ; 
and the Thirteenth, under Gordon Granger, from Fort Mor¬ 
gan, joined Smith. These combined troops invested Spanish 
Fort, opposite Mobile, near the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. 
On the 27tli, Steele moves from Pensacola and invests Fort 
Blakely, on the Tensaw River. On the 8th of April, Spanish 
Fort, after an attack by our troops, is evacuated. Fort 
Blakely is abandoned on the 9tli. The enemy retire into 
Mobile. Alabama River is thus opened, and the northern ap¬ 
proaches to Mobile. The city, no longer tenable, is evacuated 
by our troops on the 11th, and occupied by Canby’s forces on 
the 12th. 

Wilson’s command. 

The cavalry expedition, which Grant had directed Thomas 
to send out under General "Wilson, started on the 22d of 
March, twelve thousand five hundred strong, from Chickasaw, 
Alabama, and achieved a series of successes. On the 1st oi 
April, Wnlson encountered Forrest near Ebenezer Church, and 
beat him. On the 2d he captured Selma, a very important 
point, defended by Forrest with seven thousand men. There 


THE TRUE ‘ BEGINNING OF THE END.” 


451 


lie took three thousand prisoners and thoroughly destroyed 
the enemy’s works and factories. On the 4th he entered 
•Tuscaloosa, and on the 10th marched upon Montgomery, 
which he took on the 14th. At that point he divided his force, 
sending one portion to West Point, where they captured 
four guns and destroyed the railroad works. The other 
column moved on Columbus, which they took, capturing also 
fifteen hundred prisoners, destroyed the factories, and taking 
fifty-two guns. On the 20tli he received the surrender of 
Macon from Howell Cobb ; and on the 11th of May a detach¬ 
ment of his force caught Jefferson Davis, while he was trying 
to escape in disguise. 

General Dick Taylor, at Citronelle, Alabama, surrendered 
to Canby, May 4th, all the rebel forces east of the Mississippi, 
about twenty thousand in all, on terms substantially the same 
as those accorded by Grant to Lee. 

General Edmund Kirby Smith, notwithstanding these good 
examples, was for a time defiant; but Grant sent Sheridan 
down to Texas to bring him to terms; and, deeming it useless 
to hold out any longer, Smith left his army to disband itself, 
while Buckner, assuming the command, surrendered the small 
body that remained on the 26th of May. 

We cannot better finish this chapter than by quoting the 
eloquent and truthful' tribute with which General Grant closes 
his masterly report. 

“ It lias been my fortune to see the armies of both the West and East fight 
battles, and from what I have seen I know there is no difference in their fight¬ 
ing qualities. All that it was possible for men to do in battle, they have done. 
The Western armies commenced their battles in the Mississippi Valley, and re¬ 
ceived the final surrender of the remnant of the principal army opposed to them 
in North Carolina. The armies of the East commenced their battles on the 
river from which the Army of the Potomac derived its name, and received the 
final surrender of their old antagonist at Appomattox Courthouse, Va. The 
splendid achievements of each have nationalized our victories, removed all sec¬ 
tional jealousies, of which we have unfortunately experienced too much, and 
the cause of crimination and recrimination that might have followed had either 
section failed in its duty. All have a proud record, and all sections can well 
congratulate themselves and each other for having done their full share in re¬ 
storing the supremacy of law over every foot of territory belonging to the 


452 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


United States. Let them hope for perpetual peace and harmony with that 
enemy whose manhood, however mistaken the cause, drew forth such hercu¬ 
lean deeds of valor.” 


CONCLUSION. 

We have reached the end of our task, which was to pre¬ 
sent a military biography of General Grant. He at once 
advised the reduction of the great armies, a work which, 
beginning on the day of Lee’s surrender, has steadily pro¬ 
gressed, until we have now only the needed force for a quasi 
peace establishment. Before this, however, in a vast and 
splendid pageant of two days’ continuance, beginning on 
Tuesday, the 22d of May, the great armies of Meade and 
Sherman were reviewed by the President of the United States, 
the Secretary of War, and the Lieutenant-General, on Penn¬ 
sylvania Avenue, amid the most enthusiastic demonstrations 
of a concourse gathered from all parts of the Union. 

He narrowly—let us say providentially—escaped the fate of 
the honored and beloved President, having at first designed 
to be at the theatre on the night of the 14th of April, but, 
guided by some good angel, he set out to the North instead. 

He has made tours of pleasure and inspection to the West, 
to Canada, to the South ; and everywhere throngs press to 
see, and take the hand of the quiet, unpretending, sturdy. 
man, who has saved his country, and won,so glorious a fame. 
At West Point, the plain cadet of 1844 received in 1865 all 
the honors of his Alma Mater as the generalissimo of the 
great war. 

He was made a Doctor of Laws by Harvard and a 
number of other institutions. 

On the 7th of January, 1865, a number of the principal 
citizens of Philadelphia presented him with a handsome 
house, thoroughly furnished, in Chestnut-street, above 
Twentieth. To tell of his honors, and the gifts he has 
received, would fill a volume such as this. Among the 
ovations which he received, there was none, perhaps, 
more grateful to him than that at his old home, Galena, 


THE TRUE “ BEGINNING OF THE END.” 


453 


Illinois, on the 28th of August, 1865. There were arches 
decorated with the long scroll of his victories, enthu¬ 
siastic plaudits from his old friends and fellow-citizens; 
and over the street where he lived and the sidewalk which he 
had calumniated, was the motto : “ General, the sidewalk is 
built.' 5 The fond thought which had prompted such an 
expression of his ambition—to be Mayor of Galena, and 
build the sidewalk—thus treasured by his old friends, would 
touch the heart of Grant, when “ the applause of listening 
senates” v/ould have little power to move him. 

Early in December his constant friend, Mr. Wasliburne, of 
Illinois, introduced into the House of Representatives a bill 
to make him a General , and he was appointed to that grade, 
to take effect from July 25, 1865. 

On the 12th of August, 1867, Mr. Stanton, the Secretary of 
"War, was suspended from his post by the President, and 
General Grant was appointed Secretary of War ad interim. 
He discharged the duties with great judgment and vigor, 
especially displayed in the large ‘retrenchment he made at 
once in the expenses of the department. He vacated the 
office upon the resolution of the Senate restoring Mr. Stanton. 

He is an admirable judge of men. In this he is like the 
great emperor. Grant’s generals have been judiciously 
chosen, each for his specific work—Sherffian for Atlanta, 
Thomas for Nashville, Sheridan for the Shenandoah and Five 
Forks, Meade for the Army of the Potomac. And when they 

did well, no spice of envy ever kept him from rejoicing in their 

* 

success, and awarding them the highest praise. Of Meade, 
whose position was sometimes a painful one, by reason of the 
overshadowing presence of the general-in-chief, he says, in 
speaking of his appointment as major-general: 

“ General Meade was appointed at my solicitation, after a campaign the 
most protracted, and covering more severely contested battles, than any of 
which we have any account in history. 

“ I have been with General Meade during the.whole campaign, and not only 

made the recommendation upon a conviction that this recognition of * his ser- , 

. 


454 


GRANT AND HIS CAMPAIGNS. 


vices was fully won, but that be w r as eminently qualified for the command such 
rank would entitle him to. 

“ General Meade is one of our truest men and ablest officers. He has been 
constantly with that army confronting the strongest, best appointed, and most 
confident army in the South. He, therefore, has not had the same opportunity 
of winning laurels so distinctly marked as has fallen to the lot of other gen¬ 
erals ; but I defy any man to name a commander who would do more than he 
has done with the same chances.” 

• 

Of Sherman he .says, speaking of the battle of Pittsburg 
Landing: “ To his individual efforts I am indebted for the 
success of that battle.” His praises of Sheridan have been 
recorded in former pages. 

And these, be it remembered, are not the wholesale lauda¬ 
tions with which military reports are usually filled, but just 
judgments, conscientiously expressed. We may say of him 
as did Tacitus of Agricola: “ Nec Agricola unquam per alios 
gesta avidus intercepit; seu centurio , seu prcefectus, incorruptum 
fqcti testem Jiabebat .” 

An enemy to be dreaded, he was always courteous, kind, 
and humane to a conquered foe. 

A patriot of large heart, he lias done more than any other 
man to save his country in its day of bitter peril. 

To say that he is the first soldier of the age, is but to ap¬ 
peal to the facts already narrated. Perhaps we accord a 
higher praise when we declare, without flattery, that he is the 
most distinguished American of the regenerated liepuUic. Let 
him be cherished and honored accordingly. 

On the 21st of May, 1868, General Grant was unanimously 
and enthusiastically nominated by the Republican Conven¬ 
tion, at Chicago, a candidate for the presidency. The follow¬ 
ing is his letter accepting the nomination 

Washington, D. C., May 29,1868. 

To GAn. JosEPn R Hawley, 

President National Union Republican Convention: 

In formally accepting the nomination of the National 
Union Republican Convention of the 21st of May inst., it 


HIS NOMINATION FOR THE PRESIDENCY. 


455 


seems proper that some statement of views beyond the mere 
acceptance of the nomination should be expressed. The pro¬ 
ceedings of the Convention were marked with wisdom, moder¬ 
ation, and patriotism, and, I believe, express the feelings of 
the great mass of those who sustained the country through its 
recent trials. I indorse their resolutions. If elected to the 
office of President of the United States, it will be my endeavor 
to administer all the laws in good faith, with economy, and 
with the view of giving peace, quiet, and protection every¬ 
where. In times like the present, it is impossible, or at least 
eminently improper, to lay down a policy to be adhered to, 
right or wrong, through an administration of four years. New 
political issues, not foreseen, are constantly arising, the views 
of the public on old ones are constantly changing, and a purely 
administrative officer should always be left free to execute the 
will of the people. I always have respected that will, and 
always shall. Peace, and universal prosperity—its sequence— 
with economy of administration, will lighten the burden of 
taxation, while it constantly reduces the national debt. Let 
us have peace. 

With great respect, your obedient servant, 

U. S. Grant. 




























*■ - 

♦ 




















































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rv k . . 



























• 




. 








- 








• 


















* 






















































INDEX. 

- 


PAGR 


Alsop’s Farm, battle of.136 

Arkansas, destruction of the Con¬ 
federate ram. 306 

Arkansas Post, attack on.149 

Atlanta, battles of. 402 

Averill, General William W., 
movements in Western Vir¬ 
ginia . 323 

Averysboro’, battle of. 420 

Babcock, Brevet Colonel 0. E., 


Badeau, Brevet Colonel Adam, 

sketch of.462 

Baker’s Creek, battle of. 172 

Banks, Major General N. P. 

-correspondence with Gard¬ 
ner. 196, 197, 198 

-instructions.272 

Barnard, Brevet Major-General J. 

G., sketch of.. 470 

Baton Rouge, battle of.120 

Beauregard, General P. G. T., C. 

S. A. 

-his character.. 99 

-assumes the offensive. 83 

-composition of his force. 84, 104 

-plans. 85 

-defeated at Pittsburg Land¬ 
ing . 94 

-correspondence with Grant.. 95 

-losses. 96 

-proclamation. 103 

-evacuates Corinth. 105 

-takes position at Tupelo.... Ill 

-retires from active service.. 116 

-attacks Butler....'. 327 

Belmont, Missouri, engagement at 32 

Bentonville, battle of.. 420 

Bermuda Hundred, description of. 325 
Big Barren, description of the.... 37 

Big Black, battle of the. 175 


PAOB 


Big Blue, fight on the. 406 

Bowers, Brevet Colonel T. S., 


Boydton plankroad, fight on the.. 396 
Bragg, General Braxton, C. S. A. 

-his character. 231 

-military errors. 221, 230 

-dispatch to Grant.225 

-composition of his force.230 

-dispatch to Cooper.235 

-retreat.237 

-relieved by Hardee.247 

Breckinridge, General John C., C. 

S. A. 

-defeats Sigel.324 

-enters East Tennessee.407 

Buckner, General S. B., C. S. A.. 

-commands Fort Donelson... 52 

-correspondence concerning 

surrender. 67 

-surrenders his command.... 451 

Buell, Major-General D. C. 

-his command. 74 

-comes up. 92 

Burnham, killed.393 

Burnside, Major-General A. E.... 

-commands Army of the Ohio. 213 

-enters Knoxville. 243 

-repulses Longstreet.245 

-re-enforced.246 

-commands Ninth Corps.282 

-fights Hill. 314 

Butler, Major-General B. F. 

-instructions. 274 

-composition of his force.324 

-moves to Bermuda Hundred. 325 

-dispatch to Mr. Stanton.326 

-causes of his failure.329 

-moves.395 

-instructions from Grant.409 

-expedition against Wilming¬ 
ton. 41C 





































































































458 


INDEX. 


PAGE 

Butler, Major-General B. F., failure 411 

-relieved.414 

-opinions on tlie Fort Fislier 

affair.414 


PAGE 

Duff, Lieutenant-Colonel W. L., 

sketch of..468 

Dunn, Captain W. McK., sketch of 403 
Dutch Gap Canal. 897 


Canby occupies Mobile. 450 

-receives Taylor’s surrender.. 451 

Casualties, table of. 399 

Cattle raid. 392 

Cedar Creek, battle of. 384 

Chapin’s Farm, fight at.393 

Champion’s Hill, battle of.. 172 

Chattanooga, its importance.. 110, 210 

-its situation. 211 

-battle of.. 231 

Chickaliominy, battle of the.340 

-losses at the. 341 

-crossing of the. 345 

Chickamauga, battle of.210 

City Point, conference at.431 

Cobb surrenders Macon.451 

Cold Harbor, engagement at.337 

-battle of.. 399 

Colors captured, table of.899 

Columbus, Kentucky, its situa¬ 
tion . 37 

-fan of. 75 

Columbus, Georgia, taken. 451 

Comstock, Brevet Brigadier-Gen¬ 
eral C. B., sketch of.460 

Congress gives a medal to Grant. 249 

Corinth, map of.. 101 

-situation. 100 

-defences of.105 

-evacuated. 105 

-battle of.. 127 

-troops engaged. 130 

Crook’s movements in Western 

Virginia. 323 

Cullum, letter from. 70 

Cumberland, Army of the, com¬ 
manded by Thomas. 213 

Cumberland Gap taken. 243 

Cumberland Kiver, how far navi¬ 
gable. 70 


Davis, Commodore C. H., his fight 

at Memphis. 114 

Davis, Jefferson, letters found.... 201 

-visit to Chattanooga.219 

-taken. 451 

Deep Bottom occupied. 358 

Dent, Brigadier-General F. J., 

sketch of.470 

Deserters, Grant’s treatment of... 252 
Dickey, Colonel T. L., sketch of... 471 
Dinwiddie Courthouse, fight at... 436 
Donelson. See Fort Do-nelson. 

Duane, commanding engineers... 281 


Early, General Jubal, C. S. A.... 

-moves down the Valley.374 

-enters Maryland. 376 

-success of his expedition.... 377 

-movements in the Valley.... 378 

-defeated at Winchester.382 

-defeated at Fisher’s Hill.... 383 

-fight at Waynesboro’. 425 

Elliott’s raid. 108 

Emancipation Proclamation. 152 

Essex, disaster to the. 38 

Ewell attacks. 318 

Farmington, skirmish at.105 

-battle at. 108 

Farragut’s operations. 136 

-he attacks Mobile.405 

Fisher’s Hill, battle of. 883 

Five Forks, battle of the.438 

Floyd, General J. B., C. S. A., his 

character. 51 

-plans for defence. 57 

-escapes. 65 

Foote, Flag-Officer A. H., sketch of 471 


-attacks Fort Henry. 43 

-attacks Fort Donelson. 55 

-obliged to withdraw. 57 

-bombards Island No. 10. 78 

-expeditions.113 

Forrest in Mississippi.271 

-raids.405 

-defeated by Wilson.450 

Fort Donelson, map of. 59 

-its situation. 38 

-its defences. 50 

-its garrison. 51 

-naval attack.. 55 

-land attack.<r. 63 

-surrender of. 68 

Fort Fisher, movement against... 410 

-taken. 413 

-losses at. 414 

-controversy concerning.414 

Fort Henry, map of. 40 

-its situation. 38 

-its defences. 41 

-land and naval attack. 42 

-surrender of. 44 

Fort Hindman taken.150 

Forts around Petersburg. 387 

Fort Pillow evacuated. 113 

-surrender of. 405 


Fort Steadman taken and retaken. 480 








































































































































INDEX. 


459 


PAGE 


Fort Steadman, losses at.431 

Forts on the Weldon road.387 

Foster, commands Army of the 

Ohio. 213 

-relieves Burnside.. 250 

-is relieved by Schofield.25G 

Franklin, battle of.403 

Fredericksburg, battle of.144 

Galena, Grant’s home. 27 

-tribute to Grant. 453 

Gardner, correspondence with 


Germania Ford abandoned. 300 

Gettysburg, battle of. 190 

Gillmore, General Q. A., his repu¬ 
tation. 325 

Goldsboro’ occupied. 420 

Grand Gulf, its position. 100 

-attacked.100 

Grant, Jessie R. 19 

Grant, Ulysses S., birth and par¬ 
entage. 19 

-his education... 20 

-personal characteristics.202 

-character.202 

-goes to West Point. 21 

-is graduated . 22 

-his life there.... 22 

--brevet second-lieutenant in 

Fourth Infantry. 23 

■-his career during the Mexi¬ 
can war. 24 

-First-lieutenant. 25 

-brevet.ted for Molino del Rey. 25 

-brevetted for Chapultepec... 25 

-anecdote. 25 

-ordered North. 20 

-marriage. 26 

-goes to Oregon. 26 

-resigns. 26 

,-leather-dealer at Galena. 27 

-adjutant-general of Illinois.. 28 

-colonel Twenty-first Illinois 

Volunteers. 28 

-acting brigadier-general. 29 

-Brigadier-General U. S. Vol¬ 
unteers .. . 29 

-commands at Cairo. 29 

-occupies Paducah, Kentucky. 30 

-operations around Belmont, 

Missouri. 31 

-attack upon Belmont. 32 

-losses. 33 

-important results of this affair 34 

-reconnoissance in Kentucky. 36 

-desires to storm Fort Henry. 40 

-attacks Fort Henry. 42 

-ollicial report. 44 


PAGE 

Grant, Ulysses S., results of the 

i ' n . -r-r t /% 


capture of Fort Henry. 46 

— reorganizes his forces. 48 

— order for march. 49 

— assaults Fort Donelson. 53 

— fails. 53 

— sends for re-enforcements... 54 

— attacked by the enemy. 58 

— orders attack. 01 

— correspondence concerning 

the surrender.07, 63 

— Major-General U. S. Vols.... 70 

— general order announcing the 

victory. 71 

— his command is enlarged.... 74 

— his administration. 75 

— ascends the Tennessee. 76 

— superseded and restored. 81 

— at Savannah, Tennessee. 82 

— assumes command in the field 83 

— answer to Beauregard. 95 

— loss at Pittsburg Landing... 96 

— conduct at Pittsburg Landing 97 

— second in command.Ill 

— extended jurisdiction. 117 

— dispatch concerning Iuka.... 124 

— strengthens Corinth.126 

— his command. 134 

— baggage. 135 

— objective. 135 

— moves upon Pemberton.137 

— his staff. 138 

— treatment of negroes. 139 

— against plundering.139 

— policy respecting trade. 139 

— plan of campaign. 141 

— cause of failure.143 

— orders to Sherman. 144 

— telegraph to Sherman. 146 

— organizes his army into corps 150 

— action on the Emancipation 

Proclamation.152 

— plans against Vicksburg-153 

— occupies New Carthage.158 

— moves to Hard Times. 10C 

— movement and position. 168 

— campaign in Mississippi.171 

— invests Vicksburg. 176 

— orders first assault. 177 

— orders second assault. 178 

— is re-enforced. 180 

— disposition of his troops.... 180 

— order to Parke.181 

— letter to Ord.. 182 

— meets Pemberton. 187 

— letters to Pemberton ... 188, 189 

— enters Vicksburg. 191 


-- letter from the President.... 195 















































































































































































460 


INDEX, 


PAGE 


Grant, Ulysses S., letters to Hal- 


-sends oat expeditions.,,, .. 202 

-letter to tlie Secretary of tlie 

Treasury respecting trade.204 

-action respecting soldiers’ 

fares.204 

-action respecting negroes..205 

-honors at Memphis.205 

-letter to loyal citizens of Mem¬ 
phis. 206 

-goes to New Orleans. 206 

-review and accident.207 

-trade regulations.207 

-meeting with Stanton..211 

-his new command.212 

-composition of his army.212 

-at Chattanooga.214 

-condition of his army at Chat¬ 
tanooga.214 

-orders Sherman to move.... 221 

-his plans. 222 

-dispatch from Bragg.225 

-new position.229 

-letter to Halleck. 235 

-his bearing on the field.236 

-comments on the campaign. 237 

-congratulatory order. 246 

-letter from the President.... 248 

-medal.249 

-tours of inspection.251 

-treatment of deserters.252 

-visit to St. Louis.253 

-political tendencies.257 

• -made lieutenant-general.... 258 

-goes to Washington.258 

■-receives his commission.259 

-visits the Army of the Poto¬ 
mac.260 

— prospects.265 

-purpose.268 

-condition of affairs.269 

-assumes command of all ar¬ 
mies.277 

-plan of campaign.286 

-at the battle of the Wilder¬ 
ness. 300 

-losses.302 

-dispatch to Mr. Stanton.311 

-success in the campaign .... 316 

-fight with Ewell.318 

-orders a new movement.319 

-difficulties.329 

-moves. 330 

-obstacles.331 

-losses from 12tli to 21st May. 331 

• -change of base.335 

-disposition of the Army of the 

Potomac. 336 


Grant, Ulysses S., losses from the 

21st to the 31st of May. 

-line of battle. 

-plans. 

-losses from the 1st to the 10th 

of June. 

-losses from the 10th to the 

20th of June ..... 

-new movement. 

-attempts on the Weldon road 

'-rest. 

-extends liis line. 

-steps for the defence of Wash¬ 
ington . 

-goes to the Valley of the 

Shenandoah. 

-interview with Hunter. 

-directions to Hunter. 

-interview with Sheridan.... 

- telegraph to Mr. Stanton.... 

-movement north of the James 

-movement on both flanks... 

-moves the entire army. 

- rest. 

-criticism on Hood. 

-criticism on Thomas. 

-criticism on Rosecrans. 

-conference with Porter. 

-instructions to Butler. 

-instructions to Terry... 

-letter concerning Fort Fisher 

-orders to Schofield. 

-instructions to Sherman.... 

-instructions to Thomas. 

-movement to the left. 

-instructions to Sheridan.... 

-position of the enemy. 

-orders to Meade, (3rd, and 

Sheridan. 

-conference at City Point.... 

-instructions to Sheridan.... 

-general advance. 

-letter to Sherman. 

-letters to Lee. 443, 

-interview with Lee... 

-letter to Lee, stating terms of 

surrender. 

-description of his demeanor. 

-letter from Lee, accepting 

terms. 

-close of his report. 

-reviews the army at Wash¬ 
ington . 

-honors showered upon him.. 

-talents and character. 

-letter recommending officers. 

-letters in praise of Rawlins.. 

-his staff. 

Gregg’s operations at Stoney Creek 


FAGB 

337 

339 

343 

344 

355 

355 

356 
359 
364 

377 

879 

379 

380 
382 
885 
389 
392 
395 
898 

403 

404 
406 
409 
409 
412 
416 

418 

419 

421 

422 
424 

427 

428 
431 
433 

440 

441 
444 

446 

447 
446 

448 
451 


452 

452 

453 

457 

458 
455 
398 


















































































































































































INDEX: 


461 


PAGE 


Grierson’s cavalry raid. 193 

Griffin relieves Warren. 439 

Guns taken and lost, table of..... 400 

Haines’ Bluff, occupied by tlie 

enemy. 148 

-feint on. 1G6 

-evacuated and occupied.176 

Halleck, Major-General H. W., 


-commands in Missouri. 35 

-advances on Corintli. 102 

-composition of bis army. 104 

-general-in-chief.117 

Hamilton, General Schuyler, canal 

at Island No. 10. 79 

-its success. 80 

Hampton’s fight with Sheridan... 354 
Hancock, Major-General W. S., 


-interview with G. H. Stuart. 313 

-fight on the North Anna.... 332 

-fight at Reams’ Station.391 

-fight on the Boydton road... 396 

-recruits First Corps.398 

Hardee, his character. 231 

-relieves Bragg.247 

-fights Sherman at Averysboro’ 420 

Harvard College confers a degree 

on Grant.452 

Hays, Alex., killed. 302 

Henry. See Fort Henry. 

Hicks drives Forrest from Paducah 405 

Hill fights Burnside..314 

Hillyer, Colonel W. S., sketch of.. 4GG 

Holly Springs taken.116 

-surrendered 143 

Hood, General J. B., C. S. A. 

-character and difficulties.... 405 

-relieves Johnston. 402 

-Grant’s criticism on.403 

-moves into Tennessee. 403 

-battle at Franklin.403 

-battle at Nashville.403 

Hooker advances.217 

Hovey’s movements on the Talla¬ 
hatchie. 142 

Hudson, Brevet Colonel P. T., 


Humphreys, chief of staff.284 

-commands Second Corps.... 398 

Hunt, H. J., commanding artillery. 281 

Hunter relieves Sigel. 324 

-dispatch to Halleck.3G1 

-fight at North River.362 

-advance on Lynchburg. 362 

-failure. 363 

-directions from Grant. 380 

-relieved by Sheridan.380 


PAGE 


Ilirie, Colonel George P., sketch of. 468 

Ingalls, Chief Quartermaster.281 

Island No. 10, its situation and de¬ 
fences . 78 

-its garrison and commander. 79 

-bombarded by Foote. 78 

-its surrender. 81 

Iuka, map of. 121 

-operations near.120 

-battle of.. 123 

I 

Jackson, battle of. 170 

-pillaged. 171 

-evacuated. 201 

James, crossing of the. 346 

Johnson, B. R., C. S. A., his com¬ 
mand. 52 

Johnson, Edward, C. S. A., taken. 313 
Johnston, General A. S., C. S. A. 

his proclamation. 84 

-mortally wounded. 89 

Johnston, General J. E., C. S. A.. 

-in command at Jackson. 170 

-letter concerning Vicksburg. 177 

-disposition.199 

-order to his men. 199 ^ 

-evacuates Jackson.201 

-his position.271 

-superseded by Hood.402 

-fights Slocum at Bentonville. 420 

-surrenders to Sherman. 449 

Jones, W. E., C. S. A., killed.362 

Kautz’s expedition. 325 

-raid. 328 

Kent, Brevet Brigadier-General L., 


Kentucky, rebel line in Western.. 38 

Kinston, battle of.420 

-occupied. 420 

Knoxville fortified. 243 

-besieged. 244 

-attacked. 245 

-siege raised.246 

Lagow, Colonel Clark B., sketch 

of.465 

Lake Providence.155 

Lee, General R. E., C. S. A. . 

-his character.270 

-his position. 270 

-his plans. 290 

-order of May 14th. 316 

-his true position. 317 

-disposition of his line. 336 

-abandons Richmond. 441 

-correspondence with General 


interview with Grant.446 















































































































































462 


INDEX. 


PAGE 


Lee, General R. E., C. S. A., letter 
to Grant accepting terms of sur¬ 
render. 448 

Leet, Major G. K., sketch of..463 

Lieutenant-General, grade of.260 

-passage of the bill. 261 

Lincoln, Abraham, thanksgiving.. 305 

-murdered. 449 

Logan, eulogy on. 192 

Longstreet, operates against Knox- 


-wounded . 303 

-defeated at Cedar Creek.384 

Lookout Mountain, described.211 

Lovell overslaughed.137 

Lynchburg invested. 362 

Mackall commands Island No. 10. 79 

Macon surrendered by Cobb. 451 

McClellan resigns. 387 

McClernand, his command. 48 

-superseded.179 

McPherson, Major-General J. B., 


-fights battle of Raymond.... 169 

-eulogy on. 192 

-killed.402 

Meade, Major-General G. G. 

-at Culpepper.257 

-visit from Grant.260 

-instructions from Grant.279 

-his value.280 

-order to the Army of the 

Potomac. 288 

-address to his men.315 

-order concerning the mine... 367 

-instructions from Grant..... 428 

-Grant’s opinion of him.454 

Medal for Vicksburg.209 

Meigs to Mr. Stanton. 239 

Memphis, battle near.114 

-taken. 115 

Meridian, raid upon.256 

Milliken’s Bend, route against 

Vicksburg. 155 

Mines at Vicksbxirg.183, 184 

-before Petersburg.365 

-order concerning it.367 

-causes of its failure.372 

Missionary Ridge, storming of.... 231 
Mississippi, barring of the river.. 77 

Mitchell, General O. M., his ca¬ 
reer. 112 

-campaign in North Alabama. 113 

Mobile, movement upon.450 

•-occupied....450 

Monocacy, light on the.376 

Monterey occupied. 103 

Montgomery taken.451 


PAGB 


Murfreesboro’ (Stone River), battle 

of. 210 

Murphy surrenders Holly Springs. 143 

Nashville, fall Ox. 75 

-battle of. 403 

Natchez occupied.110 

New Hope, battles near.401 

New Madrid, its situation. 78 

-taken. 79 

New Orleans, fall of. 110 

-review at. 206 

Norfolk occupied.... 110 

North Anna, battle of the. 332 

North River, battle of.362 

Ohio, Army of the, its commander 213 

Olustee, reverse at.257 

Ord, Major-General, E. O. C., 


-at Iuka. v . 124 

-wounded.131, 393 

-relieves Butler.414 

-instructions from Grant.428 

Orders, general.. 151, 212, 278 

Orders issued by Grant— 

-announcing the victory of 

Donelson. 71 

-— concerning guerrillas. 118 

-concerning negroes.118 

-concerning Corinth.131 

-concerning citizens.203 

-concerning hi§ men.208 

-of congratulation.246 

Pamunkey, crossing of the. 335 

Parke, dispatch from Grant.181 

Parker, Brevet Colonel Ely S., 


Pemberton, General J. C., C. S. A., 


-commands at Vicksburg_137 

-letter from Johnston. 177 

-proposes surrender. 186 

-meeting with Grant.187 

-correspondence with General 

Grant.188, 189 

Pensacola occupied. 110 

Petersburg, situation and import¬ 
ance.347 

-assaults on. 348, 350, 351 


Phelps, Lieutenant-Commanding 
U. S. N., reconnoitres Fort Henry 39 

-expedition up the Tennessee. 46 

Philadelphia’s tribute to Grant... 452 
Pillow. See Fort Pillow. 

Pillow, General G. J., his character 51 

-escapes. 60 

Pittsburg Landing, its situation.. 82 


































































































































INDEX. 


463 


PAGE 

Pittsburg Landing, battle of... 85, 92 

-discussion concerning. 97 

-letter concerning. 98 

Pleasants, Lieutenant-Colonel H., 

liis mine.365 

Point Pleasant, its situation. 78 

■-taken by Pope. 78 

Polk, Major-General L., C. S. A., 

sketch of. 32 

Pollard’s works and their value.. 72 

Pope, Major-General John. 

-takes Point Pleasant. 78 

-takes New Madrid. 78 

-called to Virginia.120 

-defeated in Virginia. 144 

Porter, Admiral D. D., runs the 

batteries. 159 

-opens communications.176 

letter to the Secretary of the 


Navy, 

— correspondence with Grant 
expedition against Wilming¬ 


ton. 


200 

409 

410 


comments on the Fort Fisher 


affair. 414 

Porter, Brevet Captain D. E., 

sketch of..472 

Porter, Brevet Colonel Horace, 

sketch of.461 

Port Gibson, battle of. 162 

Port Hudson, situation. 196 

-siege. 196 

-surrender.196 

-correspondence^ concerning.. 196 

Potomac, Army of the, reorgan¬ 
ized .280 

-its composition.280 

-position.285 

-general movement of.289 

Price, General Sterling, C. S. A., 

his character. 133 

-invades Missouri.406 

Prime, Major F. E., sketch of..... 468 
-Grant s engineer. 126 


Rawlins, Major-General John A., 

sketch of.455 

Raymond, battle of. 169 

Read, General Theodore, killed .. 442 

Reams’ Station, battle of..391 

Resaca, battle of.• • • • 401 

Review of the armies at Washing¬ 
ton. 452 

Rice, Brigadier-General, killed. .. 310 
Riggin, Colonel John, sketch of.. 467 
Robinette, Brevet Major H. C., 

sketch of.472 

Rosecrans, Major-General W. S., 
sketch of. 132 


Page 

Rosecrans, Major-General Wil¬ 
liam S., commands in Missis¬ 
sippi. 120 

-at Iuka. 123 

-preparations...!. 127 

-fights at Stone River.210 

-fights at Chickamauga.210 

-relieved by Thomas.212 

-operates against Price.406 

-Grant’s criticism on.406 

Rosser, General, operates in the 

Valley.,. 383 

Rowley, Lieutenant-Colonel W. R., 

sketch of....467 

Russell’s House, battle of.107 


Sailors’ Creek, battle of.442 

Savannah taken.402 

Schofield, Major-General John Mc¬ 
Allister . 

-relieves Foster.256 

-fights at Franklin.403 

-- orders from Grant.412, 418 

-operations in North Caro¬ 
lina.417, 420 

Sedgwick, Major-General John, 

his character.309 

-his command.281 

-killed.308 

Seymour defeated at Olustee.257 

-taken prisoner... 299 

Shackelford takes Cumberland 

Gap. 243 

Sheridan, Major-General P. H., his 

character. 381 

-commands cavalry.281 

-raid.320 

-fight with J. E. B. Stuart... 321 

-return.334 

-fights.336, 338 


— fight with Hampton.353 

— relieves Hunter.380 

— interview with Grant. 382 

— battle of Winchester. 382 

— battle of Fisher’s Hill.383 

— battle of Cedar Creek.386 

— Major-General U. S. A.387 

— instructions from Grant.424 

— grand march.425 

— fight at Waynesboro’.425 

— instructions from Grant.428, 433 

-— his command.434 

— dispatch from Grant.436 

— battle of Dinwiddie Court¬ 
house .436 

— battle of the Five Forks.... 438 

— report.439 

— pursues Lee.441 

— sent to Texas.451 














































































































































464 


INDEX. 


Sherman, Major-General W. T., 

reconnoissance. 

-at Pittsburg Landing. 

-letter concerning the battle.. 

-expedition up the Tennessee. 

-takes Holly Springs. 

•-expeditions.144, 

-letter to Porter. 

-composition of his army. 

-feint on Haines’ Blutf.. 

-its success.,, 

-eulogy on.. 

-movements. 

-enters Jackson. 

-commands Army of the Ten¬ 
nessee .. 

-ordered to move. 

-movements. 

-- re-enforces Burnside. 

-Meridian raid. 

-duties and responsibilities... 

-operations in Georgia. 

-march southward. 

-instructions from Grant. 

-march north. 

-battle of Averysboro’. 

-interview with the President 

-visit to City Point. 

-movements against Johnston. 

-receives Johnston’s surrender 

Shiloh. See Pittsburg Landing .. 

Sigel, instructions to. 

-defeated by Breckinridge.... 

-relieved by Hunter._ 

Slocum fights at Bentonville. 

Smith, A. J., fights Forrest at 

Tupelo. 

Smith, Major-General C. F., sketch 

of. 

-reconnoitres Fort Henry.... 

-his command. 

-leads attack. 

-share in the assault. 

-commanding in the field.... 

Smith, E. Kirby, refuses to sur¬ 
render . 

Smith, Major-General W. F., sketch 

of. . 

-expedition. 

-its success.I. 

-reconnoissance.. 

Snicker’s Ferry, fight at. ;... 

Spottsylvania, battles of. 

- losses at. 

Staff of General Grant. 283, 

Stanton, Hon. E. M., meets Grant. 

-to Dix concerning Butler.... 

-visits the army. 

Steele’s Bayou, reconnoissance up. 


PAor, 

Stoneman’s expedition to Wythe- 


ville..407 

-raid in North Carolina.449 

Stone River. See Murfreesboro’. 

Stuart, G. IT, taken.. 803 

Stuart, General J. E. B., C. S. A., 


-fights Sheridan...321 

-mortally wounded.821 

Tables of losses, colors, and guns. 400 
Taylor, General R., surrenders to 

Canby. 451 

Tennessee, Army of the, com¬ 
manded by Sherman.213 

Tennessee River, how far naviga¬ 
ble. 88 

Terry sent against Wilmington.. 412 

-takes Fort Fisher. 413 

Thomas, Major-General G. H. 

-relieves Rosecrans.212 

-commands Army of the Cum¬ 
berland. 213 

-promises to hold Chattanoo¬ 
ga . 214 

-advances. 225 

-movement against Dalton... 250 

-defeats Hood at Nashville... 403 

-Major-General U. S. A.404 

-Grant’s criticism on.40-1 

-instructions from Grant.421 

Tilghman, Brigadier-General Lloyd, 


-sketch of. 41 

-commands Fort Henry. 41 

-his death.*. 174 

Torbert’s raid on Staunton. 383 

Towner, Lieutenant H. N., sketch 
of. 472 

Van Dorn, General E., C. S. A., 


—— defeated at Corinth. 130 

-overslaughed. 137 

Vicksburg defended.140 

-its importance. 164 

-its situation. 1G5 

-cut-off near.154 

-routes against. 153 

-invested.. 176 

-first assault. 177 

-second assault.178 

-condition. 181 

-mines. 182, 183, 184 

-monument at. 188 

-surrendered. 190 

-effects of the surrender. 194 

-pjedal for... .. 209 

Virginia, campaign in. 144 


PAGK 

96 

99 

98 

102 

110 

146 

145 

147 

166 

167 

192 

198 

201 

213 

221 

224 

246 

250 

271 

401 

402 

419 

420 

420 

421 

431 

447 

449 

275 

324 

324 

420 

405 

72 

89 

48 

. 64 

71 

82 

451 

472 

216 

217 

222 

378 

810 

315 

455 

211 

328 

395 

157 




























































































































































INDEX. 


465 


PAGE 

Wadsworth, General, killed.298 

-his character. 302 

Wallace, W. H. L., mortally 

wounded.. 89 

Wallace, Lewis, fights on the 

Monocacy.376 

Warren, Major-General G. K., his 

command.280 

-attacked on the Weldon 

road. 390 

-relieved by Griffin.439 

Wasliburne’s bill to make Grant 

General.\.453 

Washington, fight near. 7. 377 

Waynesboro’, fight at.425 

Webster, Brigadier-General J. D., 

sketch of..‘.465 

Weldon road, attempts on. 356 

-engagements on. 390, 391 

Whiting, General W. II. C., C. S. 

A., death. 41G 

Wilderness, description of the.... 288 

-battle-field of the. 293 

-battles of.. 294, 297 

-losses in the.*.302 


PAGE 


Williams, Major-General Seth, 

sketch of.. 464 

-Adjutant-General. 284 

Williams, Brigadier-General Tom., 


-killed.»..136 

Wilmington, its situation and im¬ 
portance. 408 

-expedition against.. 410 

-fall of. 416 

Wilson, Major-General J. H., sketch 

of. 469 

-destroys railroad. 388 

-raids. 358, 450 

Winchester, battle of.382 

-Confederate loss. 383 

Wright commands Sixth Corps... 309 

-attacked. 331 

-commands at Washington.. 377 


Yazoo Pass, route against Vicks¬ 
burg .155 

-expedition up the. 156 

Yorktown evacuated.110 





































































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